New Acland Stage 3 Coal Mine Expansion

photo: New Acland Coal Mine EIS

The story of Acland's fight against Stage 3 of New Hope Coal's Acland mine has all the makings of a blockbuster movie: a beautiful setting on the fertile blacksoil Darling Downs, a historic town, an unlikely hero in Glen Beutel who refused to sell out to the coal mine when they bought up the entire town and surrounding small farms.  

In 2012, it looked to have a Hollywood ending as well, as the Newman government went to the state election with a promise not to allow the mine to expand. 

That, however, was just a small twist in the saga. Minor changes to the mined area mean that the Newman government is now considering approving Stage 3. Now is the time to remind the government. The reasons against the mine expansion are compelling, and the public is still firmly opposed to it.


Please put in a submission to the Coordinator-General on the Environmental Impact Statement - it will only take a minute. 

They plan to double the amount of coal that is mined on some of our best farmland and shipped out through the suburbs of Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane. It will lead to 27 more, uncovered trains each week. It will destroy koala habitat and endangered grasslands. It will take precious water out of aquifers and away from surrounding farmers every day. The coal will be shipped overseas and burnt, leading to 1.99 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. It will surround the township of Acland.  
We have until the 3rd of March to remind the Queensland Government that this project is bad for us all. Put in a submission here and ask your friends to do the same. 
We hope you will stand with us alongside the Oakey Coal Action Alliance and the remaining residents of Acland, asking for a future for Acland that doesn't involve coal.  

With thanks, 
the six degrees crew