New Hope to fast-track jobs

From TSBE CEO, Ali Davenport

Both the Queensland and Federal Government have been supporting businesses through the COVID-19 disruption with various assistance packages.  

The support has given many companies hope that they can continue operating once restrictions are lifted but it is certainly not a sustainable solution in the long-term for our economy. 

For the future of the region there is a desperate need for large projects that can provide real jobs and long-term employment.  

One such project that will provide hundreds of well-paid, long-term jobs is the New Acland Stage 3 mine. 

New Hope Group, owners of New Acland Mine at Oakey, have  announced they will fast-track jobs creation and start advertising for hundreds of new workers once Stage 3 is approved by the Queensland Government.

TSBE has continued to work with New Hope Group to advocate the approval of New Acland Stage 3 expansion, and now more than ever, an approval would not only mean major economic benefits, but would also provide a lifeline to those who have recently lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

While the Queensland Government say they won’t give approval for New Acland Stage 3 until they hear a ruling from the High Court, this is inconsistent to the approval they granted to the Adani Carmichael mine while it was awaiting a legal decision. 

The question for the Queensland Government is why approve Adani mine prior to a court ruling and not New Acland mine? 

New Hope Group have operated responsibly in our region for 18 years, have world-class land rehabilitation, are an Australian owned company and invest heavily in the local economy.

Large projects provide many jobs for those involved in the construction industry but also right through the supply chain and the entire economy.

New Acland Stage 3, a shovel-ready project, will create 187 new jobs within the first six months, 487 new jobs within 18 months and inject $7 billion into the Queensland economy.

An approval from the Queensland Government has never been more important.

Workers in industries have been laid off by the thousands, therefore major projects, just like New Acland Stage 3, will replenish a number of these jobs lost.

Simply put, we’re asking the Queensland Government to give their approval for the mine which will create new jobs, help our economy and get Queenslanders back to work.