Statement from Pat Weir, Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
The granting of the environmental approval for the third stage of the New Acland project is a major step forward for the Darling Downs region.
The Premier and her Minister must now grant the necessary approvals including the mining lease and the associated water licence, so hundreds of workers who were stood down in December can get back to work.
They have run out of excuses.
The jobs and livelihoods of hundreds of workers have been hinging on this decision.
The mine’s closure six months ago due to the State Government’s years of inaction was a devastating blow for the workers, their families and the communities of the Darling Downs.
The Premier and her Minister have always blamed their inaction on the court process.
Their time is up.
I’m calling on the Premier and the Minister to act immediately to allow this project to proceed.
These workers and their families deserve better from this government.
