Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Wielandt says the region will benefit greatly from the New Acland coal mine expansion. Photo Contributed Contributed
TOOWOOMBA'S two major industry advocacy groups have voiced their support of the Queensland Government's decision to approve New Acland coal mine's Stage 3 expansion.
The expansion will involve production increases to 10 million tonnes per year over the mine's life of around 30 years.
Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Wielandt said it was another sign of the phenomenal economic development and growth facing the Toowoomba region over the coming years.
He said the economic multiplier effects on businesses in the Toowoomba region would be a big win for the community.
"Although there has been negativity surrounding the expansion of mining at New Acland, when you look at the positive economic benefits that accrue to our regional community through the mining industry, it is safe to say that regional business is going to benefit from the expansion approval," Mr Wielandt said.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Shane Charles congratulated New Hope Group and said the company had listened to community concerns in relation to the project.
"This was not an easy political decision and the government needed to show real leadership," he said.
"They have let the facts and public consultation assist them to make a great decision that will significantly benefit the region.
"This approval is a great example of how we can work together to balance opinion, protect good quality agricultural land and provide a great economic and environmental outcome," Mr Charles said.
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