Home > News > Ep4: Be Informed Interview Series with New Hope Group

Ep4: Be Informed Interview Series with New Hope Group

10 August 2020 | Industry NewsBBMC News

In our latest Be Informed Interview Series video, Jodie Currie speaks to Andrew Boyd, COO of New Hope Group.

The New Hope Group are in the middle of a long legal battle to keep their mine open, employing people in the Oakey community and contributing to Queensland’s economy. If you ever wanted to know the facts, spare 18 minutes to watch the interview – or read our summary below.

What is New Acland Stage 3?
New Acland is an operating open cut thermal coal mine on the Darling Downs, just outside of Oakey. With a 5mtpa production capacity, it’s been running for 18 years, employing over 300 locals.

As part of mine planning, in 2007 New Hope applied for an extension to their existing mining lease – the ‘Stage 3’ extension. This attracted opposition, so they modified the scope and re-applied for the extension in 2013.

In 2014, the Coordinator-General approved the extension – and then the legal battles started.

What’s going on?
Quite simply, the mine is running out of coal, and legal appeals will continue to delay the project’s approval.

The opposition to the mine, a group called the Oakey Coal Action Alliance, has unlimited legal backing from the Environmental Defenders Office – funded by taxpayers.

The project has strong community support – over 80% of locals say they want the project to go ahead, and all of the farms neighbouring the mine are happy to co-exist.

What’s the holdup?
The State Government has said they won’t approve the mine while it’s before the courts. But the opposition tactic is simply that – to keep the mine before the courts.

Environmental approvals have been granted, so appeals aren’t even on an environmental basis anymore.

The case is currently before the High Court. Both the Land Court and Appeals Court have found that the project should be approved, but the legal system supports project opponents to simply keep on appealing.

The High Court challenge will take 18 months. In those 18 months, the entire workforce at New Acland will have lost their jobs.

What can I do?
An independent study conducted by EY found that Stage 3 would have a $7 billion positive impact on Queensland over the project’s life.

We’ve seen with projects like Adani’s Carmichael project that it is possible to get started despite opposition. If it’s not this project being held up – it might be one that your company or community relies on! Get behind the New Acland Expansion now.

It’s our job to stand up and advocate for our industry. So be informed! Share this video with your networks, your colleagues, and raise awareness of what’s going on.