The Oakey Coal Action Alliance has welcomed the Queensland Labor Environment Action Network’s decision to publicly endorse a policy opposing the granting of approvals to New Acland Stage 3 - at least until the High Court challenge is complete.
The decision comes as New Hope once again attempts to scuttle the High Court case, demanding farmers provide a $90,000 bond prior to the hearing commencing.
OCAA Secretary Paul King commended LEAN members and the Palaszczuk Government for standing firm against attacks from New Acland owner New Hope Group, the LNP, and a small group of misguided voices from within the Labor party.
“Farmers commend the Queensland Palaszczuk Government and LEAN for standing firm and respecting the court process in the face of uninformed attacks,” Mr King said.
“Deb Frecklington meanwhile, came out as a strong opponent of this mine when she was first seeking election in 2011, but now toes the company line in direct opposition to what farmers want in the district.
"Queenslanders respect a strong leader, and the Premier and her ministers have shown their strength by sticking to their commitment to wait until the court process has concluded before making a decision on the destructive New Acland expansion.
"Queenslanders respect people who stand up to bullies, and New Acland and its misguided supporters are behaving like the biggest bullies of all.
"Queenslanders also want to support their dairy farmers, and if the New Acland coal mine expansion goes ahead, it threatens major dairy farms that supply 10 million litres of milk annually, while also employing many workers.
"New Acland has committed multiple breaches, including drilling illegal boreholes, repeatedly violating noise requirements, and is now under federal investigation for alleged illegal mining outside its permitted area.
"This company is the perfect example of a bad corporate citizen and a bully. OCAA commends LEAN and the Palaszczuk Government for standing up to this bully.”
Background:
On Thursday, August 20, 2020, the High Court will consider New Acland Coal's application for OCAA to pay $90,000 in security of potential costs, in order for the appeal to continue. Through the EDO, OCAA will argue against New Acland’s application.