August 12, 2021
The long-planned extension of the Meandu coal mine has been referred to a Federal Government department for determination as the next stage in the approval process.
The “King 2 East” surface rights area extension would increase the size of the mine by 7 per cent, within the boundaries of the current mining lease.
Stanwell has proposed extending an existing pit into a hoop pine forest to the north-east.
In 2019, South Burnett Regional Council agreed to permanently close a 3.3km section of Ridge Road to allow the expansion to take place.
If the project passes all its preliminary approvals, mining in the the new area would start in 2024.
“King 2 East” was recently referred to the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for determination on whether it was considered a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC).
A Stanwell spokesperson said that if the project was considered a controlled action, approval from the Commonwealth department would be required.
If it was not a controlled action, then the Commonwealth approval process was complete.
As part of the EPBC process, Stanwell’s application was published on the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website earlier this month to enable the community to review the application.
“Stanwell is working with its neighbours and local community to ensure any concerns or questions about the project are addressed in the planning and approvals process,” the spokesperson said.
The project triggers several primary approvals which have to be ticked off before construction could start:
- Environmental Authority amendment under the Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994;
- Approval for additional surface area under the Queensland Mineral Resources Act 1989; and
- Referral to the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for determination on whether it is considered a controlled action.
Associated approvals under State legislation include:
- Regional Interest Development Approval (RIDA) under the Regional Planning Interest Act 2014; and
- An application to the Department of Resources for approval to permanently close a portion of Ridge Road under Section 99 of the Land Act 1994.
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