New Acland Coal Mine Stage 3 Expansion

Project overview*

EIS status	EIS active
Description	Expansion of the existing New Acland open-cut coal mine, from 4.8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 10 mtpa.
Proponent	New Acland Coal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of New Hope Corporation Limited
Location/s	35 km north-west of Toowoomba. Map
Local government/s	Toowoomba Regional Council
Investment	$500 million
Key features	coal handling and processing infrastructure new haul road closure of Acland township new raw water dam and water pipeline
Expected completion	Not available
Jobs	225 (construction) 450 (operational)

Separate EIS for water pipeline

The construction of a water pipeline from the Wetalla Wastewater Reclamation Facility in Toowoomba to the mine (one component of the proposed project) was expedited by the proponent, in accordance with section 32(1)(b) of the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.

This section of the Act allows proponents to prepare a separate environmental impact statement (EIS) that addresses the terms of reference relating to a particular component of the project.

The Coordinator-General has recommended construction of the Wetalla Water Pipeline proceed, subject to conditions and recommendations.

The remainder of New Acland Coal Mine: Stage 3 is still being assessed.

Environmental impact statement (EIS) process

Date	Activity
Pending	Supplementary report on the EIS.
14 November 2009 to 3 February 2010	Public consultation on EIS EIS - Executive summary (PDF, 1.18 MB) Complete EIS
24 October 2007	Terms of reference for EIS (PDF, 569 KB) released.
21 July 2007 to 20 August 2007	Public consultation on draft terms of reference for EIS.
24 May 2007	Project deemed a 'controlled action' by federal environment minister.
18 May 2007	Gazettal of 'significant project' declaration.
24 April 2007	Application, including initial advice statement (PDF, 483 KB), submitted.
23 April 2007	Project referred to federal environment minister.