Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA calls on the Queensland Government to finally approve a shovel-ready project that would create hundreds of jobs during these uncertain times.
“Australia’s national resources and energy group throws its full support behind New Hope Group’s campaign to gain approval for its expansion project and deliver a jobs boost to Queensland during these extraordinarily challenging times,” AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM said.
“It is time the Queensland Government approved Stage Three of New Hope Group’s New Acland Mine, bringing to fruition the near-500 jobs it will create – including almost 200 within the first six months.
“In addition, the project will inject $7 billion into the Queensland economy while also delivering supply chain certainty for New Hope’s Queensland customers, who support 14,000+ workers; and $2.5 billion to local suppliers.”
New Hope Group, an Australian company which has operated in Queensland for more than 60 years, has been seeking approval for stage three of its New Acland Coal Mine for 13 years.
Mr Knott implored the Queensland Government to prioritise jobs over petty politicking.
“New Hope Group is an Australian-owned energy company with a long track record of local employment, responsible environmental stewardship and being a well-respected and integral member of the Darling Downs community,” he said.
“This is a respected large employer not asking for a handout, taxpayer support or any special government consideration – they are simply asking the Queensland Government to put its green-politics to one side and make the call on this long-awaited project.”
Mr Knott said the government’s lack of urgency or concern for an important regional community employer and its local employees defied belief.
“The company’s planned expansion had passed a significant number of rigorous assessments, including by the Federal Government’s Independent Expert Scientific Committee,” he said.
“It is time for the Premier to stand up for local jobs and regional communities by swiftly resolving unnecessarily protracted approvals processes for important projects such as Stage Three of New Acland Mine.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Thompson, 0409 781 580
