3 February 2021
A Queensland community group has been successful in a High Court appeal over the proposed expansion of the New Acland Coal Mine, which is set to be reheard after the court ruled that earlier judgements favouring the coal company had been impacted by “apprehended bias”.
New Hope Coal has long been pushing to expand the company’s New Acland coal mine in Queensland, which would almost double the amount of thermal coal produced by the mine, that is predominantly used for electricity generation.
The expansion faced legal challenges launched by local community group Oakey Coal Action Alliance, representing more than 60 local residents and landholders, which opposes the mine on the basis that it would destroy otherwise productive agricultural land. The group had been represented by the Environmental Defenders Office in the legal action.
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The High Court ruling in favour of Queensland farmers opposing the proposed expansion of the New Acland Coal Mine is a âhammer blowâ to the community, LNP natural resources spokesman Pat Weir says.
Resource sector representatives are calling for clarification from the state government over what is needed for expansion of the Darling Downs mine to be approved but Acting Premier Steven Miles said no decisions would be made while the case was before the courts.
The New Acland coal mine washplant in Queenslandâs Darling Downs.
An activist group made up of dozens of farmers won a High Court appeal on Wednesday against New Hope, the operator of New Acland Coal Mine.
News by Matthew Killoran
Premium Content Pressure is mounting from both sides of politics on the Palaszczuk Government to step in and approve the long-delayed New Acland coal mine expansion with hundreds of jobs on the line. There are calls urging the State Government create new laws protect and push forward with the mine s expansion, as the Bligh Government did in 2007 with the Xstrata Wollombi mine. New Hope Coal employees at the Port of Brisbane, L-R, Robby Sharp, Brent Stewart, Harry Redmond and Dale Sharp. Picture: Glenn Hunt There are fears continued delays could scare off international companies looking to invest in resources projects in Queensland.