Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, and Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton, say the Queensland Labor Government need to listen to the pleas from locals and approve the New Acland mine expansion to save hundreds of jobs.
Minister Pitt said media reports show it’s clear local farmers and residents around Oakey want the mine expansion to go ahead.
“The New Acland mine, owned by New Hope, has fallen victim to green ‘lawfare’ as cashed-up activists use courts to delay the project,” Minister Pitt said.
“However, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her state Labor Government have stood by and watched hundreds of local workers lose their jobs rather than taking action to help the region.
“The Premier can no longer hide behind the courts to avoid making a decision and could easily follow the lead of one of Labor predecessors, Anna Bligh, who took action in parliament to keep an Xstrata mine at Moranbah operating. (see here)
“If Annastacia Palaszczuk really supports Queensland workers, she can save the mine and the jobs it provides.
“Instead she seems intent on not upsetting The Greens who are planning to destroy the resources sector as part of their deal to form a Labor-Green Alliance in Canberra.” Minister Pitt said
Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton, said New Hope has been forced to wait over a decade for a decision on the New Acland expansion.
“That’s far too long to keep workers in limbo and it’s been devastating to see the 300 jobs lost from the community as this issue drags on,” Mr Hamilton said.
“The Premier is treating the company and Oakey community with enormous disrespect by avoiding a decision.
“Farmers and residents around New Acland value the mine and its workers enormously. The mine has been part of the community for a century and it should be allowed to continue its operation.
“Instead we see Queensland Labor stand by and watch as jobs and economic opportunities disappear from our region,” Mr Hamilton said.
