Request for Delay in the Decision of Stage 3 of the Acland Mine Expansion

Contributed

The Queensland government is asking for a delay over the decision of the Stage Three expansion of the Acland coal mine.

Mine Minister Dr Anthony Lynham has requested that the Department of Environment delay its decision over the environmental authority.

The request comes after Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio called on the government to very carefully consider all the impacts of the mine not going ahead.

Mayor Antonio and nine other mayors all signed a letter asking the Mines Minister to carefully consider any decision over closing the mine. With Councillor Antonio saying the effects of the mine closing would be devastating.

“We have concerns about the future of the community of Oakey particularly in terms of the things that have happening out there;

A:  the water contamination

B: the possible closure of the New Hope Mine

I think Mr Lynham and I have a good relationship and I am sure that a letter that is signed by myself with the support of ten mayors in the Darling Downs and South West region, as well as, I know I can count on support from Keith Campbell, the mayor of the South Burnett.

Dr Lynham is in Toowoomba today taking part in the TSBE political leaders series – he will receive the letter from Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio.