A controversial expansion of the New Acland Coal Mine will go ahead after the Department of Water confirmed its decision to grant a water licence. 

Obtaining the licence was the final hurdle for the mine’s expansion after the Land Court ruled the mine should be given approval with conditions in December 2021.

New Acland general manager Dave O’Dwyer told Neil Breen staff are “champing at the bit to get going again”.

“You’ll see benefit far and wide,” he said. “You’ll see benefit here in Oakey and the Darling Downs and then further afield.

“We had massive uptake from our expressions of interest. Over 1800 people reached out, looking for jobs with us.

“We took 100; later this year, we’ll look at taking some more on.”

Press PLAY below to hear how work will progress at the mine 

Image: Getty