The next stage of the controversial New Acland coal mine near Oakey has been given the green light by the state government

Resources Minister Scott Stewart released a short statement confirming the approval of mining leases for Stage 3.

It follows years of delays due to legal action.

But the project still needs approval for an associated water licence before going ahead.

“After careful consideration I have approved the mining leases for stage three of the New Acland project,” the statement read.

“The project also requires an associated water licence from the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.”

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Breen provide the background to the decision

General manager of the New Acland Mine, Dave O’Dwyer, said they went into care and maintenance back in November 2019 and they were excited to get back up and running.

“This approval puts us one step closer to bringing back a workforce and getting everything working again.”

He said it will take the company a couple of months to get back up and running, when the water licence comes through.

“It will take a number of months for us to get back to full tilt.”

Press PLAY below to hear him react to the news

In a statement this afternoon, the New Hope’s chair Robert Millner said it was “welcome and long awaited” news, describing it as a watershed moment.

“New Hope and the local communities around Acland and oakey are now only one step away from restarting the New Acland mine where there has been mining activity for over 100 years.”

He said it remains “at risk of ongoing delays”.