Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA welcomes the Queensland Government today providing final approvals for the $1 billion Olive Downs Coking Coal Project.

The project, owned by Australian-based company Pembroke Resources, will begin construction in 2021 and create about 1000 jobs (500 construction, 500 operating phase) in the Central Queensland region.

It is expected to contribute around $8 billion to the local economy and more than $10 billion to state revenues over its 79-year lifespan.

“Pembroke Resources is a highly respected and responsible company which has demonstrated best-practice in bringing Olive Downs to life,” Tom Reid, AREEA Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said.

“The company has spent four years consulting with all key stakeholders, establishing an Indigenous Land Use Agreement and Cultural Heritage Management Plan, and complying with the strictest environmental management and sustainable land use regulations in the world.

“AREEA congratulates both Pembroke Resources and the Queensland Government for making this job-creating, responsible project a reality.”

While focused on resources investment, AREEA urges the Queensland Government to put politics aside and take a similar “jobs first” approach to another important coal project awaiting approval – New Hope Group’s New Acland Expansion.

New Hope Group, an Australian employer with a 60-year history of responsible mining in Queensland, has been waiting since 2010 for a decision, leaving almost 500 regional jobs in limbo.

“Securing Olive Downs is a huge coup for the state, but delaying and frustrating the New Acland expansion for over a decade is a terrible look from an investment perspective,” Mr Reid said.

“The Queensland Government needs to decide if the state is open or closed for resources and energy investment. At present it’s sending mixed messages by playing favourites with different commodity types.

“AREEA’s modelling shows Queensland’s mining industry has 12 new or expansion projects in its development pipeline. If all were to proceed, they would create more than 5,700 direct new jobs in Queensland over the next five years.

“If the Palaszczuk Government wants to send a clear positive message to investors ahead of the upcoming state election, it should approve the New Acland Expansion.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Thompson, 0409 781 580