29 March, 2023
New Acland's Water licence review complete
The Oakey Coal Action Alliance says it will be “reviewing its options” after the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water upheld its original decision to grant an associated water licence.
An internal review of the decision to grant an associated water licence to New Acland Coal Pty Ltd (NAC) for its Stage 3 development is complete and the reviewer has confirmed the original decision.
A department spokesperson said the review had examined all the information that had been part of the decision to grant the associated water licence.
“I have reviewed all relevant materials as they relate to the decision and have decided to confirm the original decision,” the spokesperson said.
“Following this review I am satisfied that the decision is the appropriate decision in accordance with the Water Act 2000.”
Oakey Coal Action Alliance Secretary Paul King said the group was disappointed but not surprised.
“The Acland coal mine expansion will destroy valuable farmland, and has recently taken seven million litres of milk out of production,” he said.
“We will be reviewing our options. Farmers and their allies are committed to fighting new Acland Stage 3."
A New Hope Group spokesperson said the group was satisfied with the outcome of the review.
“The exhaustive approvals process was overseen by multiple Queensland Government Ministers, countless, hardworking public servants and most recently independent experts who evaluated every aspect of the project and found New Acland Mine Stage 3 stacks up environmentally, socially and financially.”
“The Land Court process, the Coordinator General’s extensive consultation process, the separate independent assessments of the Queensland Department of Environment and Science and the Minister for Resources, the thorough examination by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and most recently the independent, Internal Review has allowed everyone, including the mine’s objectors, to be heard.”
