The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has accused the Queensland Government of ‘stalling’ the New Acland Stage 3 project.
The accusation follows what the QRC said is unfounded claims by the Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) that the Department of Environment and Science was influenced by New Hope Group to award New Acland Stage 3 its Environmental Authority.
“The Palaszczuk Government needs to have faith in its own processes and not be held to ransom by minority activist groups,” QRC Chief Executive, Ian Macfarlane, said.
“No resources project in Queensland history has been more scrutinised or assessed than New Acland Stage 3.
“New Hope Group, its workers and the local community have been stuck on a never-ending roundabout for more than 15 years.”
Mr Macfarlane claims it took more than six months to hand down a decision regarding New Acland Stage 3’s Environmental Authority and that its decision had been thoroughly and appropriately considered.
“If the relevant government departments and Ministers Stewart (Mining Leases) and Butcher (Associated Water Licence) believe New Acland Stage 3 should go ahead, then they should back themselves,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“If the Palaszczuk Government believes in its processes and people it needs to declare New Acland Stage 3 a prescribed project.
“Otherwise, it is giving an indefinite green light to groups like OCAA, which is backed by the taxpayer-funded Environmental Defenders Office, to challenge every decision.
“It’s time for the Government to act decisively.”
