Update - this hearing has been postponed. Please let us know if you'd like to stay up to date on the legal proceedings. [email protected]
Our friends in the Acland district have been gearing up for their legal case to protect groundwater from the New Acland mine. Next Monday they will be in court trying to stop New Hope doing any more work onsite that may impact the groundwater before the main hearing and decision.
Farmers will be travelling from Acland for the hearing. This is an opportunity to watch OCAA and EDO lawyers defend our water, and also to show public support for the farmers and citizens who believe the Darling Downs is for farming, not mining.
We advise that you:
- Dress in business attire,
- Behave respectfully towards the court,
- Avoid bringing items that may hold you up at security (ie jewellery, any metal or backpacks)
When: 9:45 for a 10AM start. (9AM for a coffee beforehand at Coffee Club next to the court)
Where: Brisbane Magistrates Courts, 363 George St
What’s this all about?
You may remember Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) is fighting to save precious groundwater from the voracious New Hope Corporation and its Stage 3 thermal coal mine at Acland on the Darling Downs. They are challenging the mine's Associated Water Licence.
That groundwater supports local farmers who produced over 10 million litres of milk last year amongst other things. If the mine takes the water, that’s over.
The full hearing of evidence will be held later in the year but New Hope is proceeding apace with clearing and blasting at the site so OCAA with their lawyers at the Environmental Defenders Office is seeking a stay (stop) of the mine’s operations until OCAA’s appeal is heard.