June 27, 2022
Lock the Gate Alliance and the Oakey Coal Action Alliance have accused the State Government of “greenwashing” instead of prosecuting New Acland coal mine.
New Acland entered into an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with the Department of Environment and Science recently to rehabilitate about 100 hectares of land.
The land will be “improved” from grazing to vegetated habitat.
The EU followed investigations into an alleged “unauthorised disturbance” in an area at the company’s mine known as West Pit.
Lock The Gate said the Department announced it was investigating New Acland four years ago.
It had now accepted “a weak, piecemeal undertaking” from the company to plant trees.
Lock the Gate and the Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) – which have conducted a long campaign against the proposed Stage 3 expansion of the mine – called on Resources Minister Scott Stewart to refuse a mining lease for the project.
They claimed New Acland cannot be trusted to operate within Queensland laws.
“This response to New Acland’s illegal behaviour falls far short of community expectations,” OCAA secretary Paul King said.
“Instead of prosecuting New Acland, the department has instead rewarded the mining company for its unlawful activities.”
- Related article: Miner To Restore Koala Habitat
