22 March, 2023
100 and counting
New Acland Mine has celebrated employing its 100th worker as preparations ramp up for the return of coal mining to the district.
Mine workers are celebrating being able to see their families each day as they return to the New Acland Mine for Stage 3.
These workers, who live in Toowoomba, Highfields, Crows Nest, Pittsworth, and other localities had been forced to find work elsewhere and will return to the district for full-time employment once again.
Mark Van Dongen is one of dozens of former New Acland Mine employees who have returned for Stage 3, after finding temporary work at the Commodore Mine near Millmerran.
“When I had to leave a few years ago and find work elsewhere, it was like a divorce,” he said.
“Now me and many others are back and the family has been reunited.
“It’s brilliant. There is a completely different feel on site.
“Prior to being placed into care and maintenance, there was a lot of uncertainty, with my colleagues and their families unsure about the future.
“The anxiousness has been replaced by optimism, because families know Dad will be home from work every single night.”
Worker Mark Lotz was forced to take a redundancy in 2021 when New Acland was placed into care and maintenance mode.
“Everyone is positive, and everyone is looking at a bright future,” Mr Lotz said.
“The Queensland Government’s decision to approve the project has given everyone a sense of security.
“My family couldn’t be happier as we can plan for the future.”
Condamine MP Pat Weir said the return of the workers had seen more activity in Oakey.
“The town has suddenly come alive, there’s people in the streets and it’s hard
to find a park in town,” he said.
New Acland Mine General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the 100th worker milestone was sixteen years in the making.
“It’s a landmark day for the entire team at New Acland Mine, but there are plenty more jobs to come,” he said.
“The ramp-up is well underway, with the permanent, full time workforce forecast to reach 400 workers within the next two years.
“There are plenty of new, old faces who have returned to New Acland Mine.
“Many were forced to find work in central Queensland when New Acland Mine was placed into care and maintenance in 2021.
“It’s brilliant these workers have returned and can wave goodbye to the fly-in, fly-out lifestyle and be home with the partners and children every single night,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“We’re proud to be a leading employer in the region, by offering well-paid, local jobs to hard-working Queenslanders.”
