An economic disaster is unfolding on the Darling Downs today because of the anti-resources, anti-regions and anti-jobs Palaszczuk Labor Government.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said she was appalled at Labor’s failure to approve the extension of the New Acland coal mine by today’s deadline.
The mine’s owners have this morning begun redundancy talks with 150 workers because the mine’s existing coal reserves are almost exhausted.
“I feel desperately sorry for the 150 people whose lives are up in the air today because Annastacia Palaszczuk is anti-resources, anti-regions and anti-jobs,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The town of Oakey is staring at economic ruin just because Annastacia Palaszczuk can’t make a decision.”
New Acland Coal Mine’s application to expand the mine (Stage 3) was approved by the Co-ordinator General in 2014.
The Environmental Authority (EA) was approved in March this year, but the Palaszczuk Labor Government has so far refused to grant the final Mining Lease Applications (MLAs) and Associated Water Licence (AWL).
“Labor now claims to support coal mining, but the people of Oakey know that is a complete lie,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Labor is trying to destroy New Acland Stage 3 just like it tried to destroy the Carmichael mine.”
