AREEA has thrown its full support behind member company New Hope Group as the Queensland energy employer renews its campaign to gain approval for its New Acland expansion project.
New Hope Group, an Australian company which has operated in Queensland for more than 60 years, has been seeking approval for stage three of the New Acland Coal Mine for 13 years.
The employer has ramped up its campaign for the Queensland Government to “make the call”, highlighting the project will create 187 new jobs within the first six months, 487 new jobs within 18 months and inject $7 billion into the Queensland economy.
“We are willing and able to help Queenslanders recover from this once-in-a-lifetime event,” Andrew Boyd, New Hope Chief Operating Officer, said.
“Jobs creation throughout Queensland has never been more important and New Hope wants to help.
Mr Boyd said New Hope will start advertising for hundreds of new workers the moment Stage 3 is approved. Approving the shovel-ready project will also provide peace of mind for hundreds of local families and businesses.
“In addition to providing job security and alleviating uncertainty in hundreds of Queensland households, once approved, New Acland Stage 3 will significantly aid Queensland’s economic recovery.”
AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM said it was well beyond time the Queensland Government gave New Hope Group the green light.
“New Hope Group is an Australian-owned energy company with a long track record of local employment, responsible environmental stewardship and being a well-respected and integral member of the Darling Downs community,” he said.
“This is a respected large employer not asking for a handout, taxpayer support or any special government consideration – they are simply asking the Queensland Government to put its green-politics aside and make the call on this long-awaited project.”
Show your support
You can show your support for New Hope Group and get behind the campaign via the New Hope Group website.
AREEA encourages individuals within its membership to sign-up for project updates, assisting New Hope in building a large community of support behind the campaign for approval.
