August 4, 2026
Nationals Leader Senator Matt Canavan has again emphasised the Coalition would scrap net zero and “drill baby drill” following a visit to the New Acland Coal mine last week.
Senator Canavan said it was obvious Australian families and businesses needed to rely on coal.
“Around 70 per cent of our electricity needs in Queensland come from coal-fired power stations across the eastern Australian States, because renewables simply can’t provide the energy our State needs,” Senator Canavan said.
“We need coal to keep the lights on, and to keep energy prices down. It’s great to see New Acland Coal mine thriving, with its expansion now employing 350 workers.
“A future Coalition government will put an end to the business-destroying carbon tax and we will use all of our energy resources, not just Labor’s ideologically approved ones.
“That’s why the Coalition will axe Labor’s carbon taxes, scrap net zero, extend fuel security support, lift fuel stocks to 60 days, unlock more Australian oil and gas, and fast-track nationally significant projects including the Taroom Trough.”
New Acland Coal general manager Dave O’Dwyer said the mine was proud to be a leading employer in the region.
“We firmly believe thermal coal, produced in Australia, will continue to provide reliable energy supply within Australia and globally for a long time to come,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“New Acland Coal has a long and proud history of supporting and financially backing the local community via strong investment in the towns surrounding New Acland Coal mine and local region.
“Over the past two years, New Acland Coal has spent $113.4 million with 599 local suppliers, donated millions to local community groups, charities, and schools and provided in-kind support to countless community activities and events.”
The Stage 3 expansion of the New Acland mine had a rocky journey before full-scale mining resumed in 2023 after a short pause.
The LNP initially rejected the expansion ahead of the 2012 Queensland Election before doing an about-face after gaining power.
However, the mining company then had to overcome numerous legal objections in court battles which stretched for more than a decade.
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