Cr Carol Taylor

June 11, 2025

Toowoomba Regional Council hopes to secure long-term financial support for the Jondaryan Homestead in return for backing proposed changes to the Stage 3 New Acland coal mine project.

“New Acland Coal has asked the Co-ordinator-General to vary their Stage 3 approval to remove the need for the construction of a proposed rail spur line and loop from the Western Rail Line at Jondaryan to the mine, as well as not constructing a new coal load-out facility at the mine,” Cr Carol Taylor said.

Council’s  Infrastructure Services Committee Meeting has recommended that the TRC not object to New Acland’s request but provide a submission to the Co-ordinator General to mitigate the impact of coal cartage from the mine through the Toowoomba Region while also looking at community “legacy” opportunities from the project.

The committee endorsement is expected to be adopted at the TRC’s June Ordinary Meeting next week.

“(The change) will have impacts on our road network if approved by the Co-ordinator General and Council needs to ensure strong road user maintenance agreements are in place with New Acland for the ongoing coal cartage on the Jondaryan-Muldu Road between the mine site and the current coal load-out facility at Jondaryan,” Cr Taylor said.

“Council will also look to mitigate impacts from train movements through greater Toowoomba, with particular emphasis on supporting emergency services and minimising traffic disruptions during peak hours, with our submission to also request a weekday rail freight movement curfew between 7:00am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

“Community legacy will also be a key part of Council’s submission with a request for long-term financial support of the Jondaryan Woolshed and the establishment of a community foundation that supports the wider Toowoomba Region.”

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