18 October, 2022
Huge interest in mine jobs
Workers and businesses alike living in the local area and further afield would like to become involved with New Hope Group, as 784 expressions of interest for jobs at New Acland Mine were received in the past month.
Since launching an online portal in mid-September, New Hope Group has received 719 expressions of interest from workers and 65 expressions of interest from businesses who are eager to supply goods and services once New Acland Stage 3 is approved.
Of the 719 expressions of interest from workers, 78 came from Oakey’s 4401 postcode and 447 from the wider Darling Downs area.
Only 23 were from outside of Queensland.
Past New Acland Mine workers accounted for 177.
Suppliers were also well-represented locally, with 36 of the 65 expressions of interest coming from Darling Downs postcodes.
New Hope Group is remaining focused on securing the remaining primary approval required for New Acland Stage 3, an Associated Water Licence (AWL) from the department administered by Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, as soon as possible.
New Acland Mine General Manager Dave O’Dwyer said an AWL will enable a restart of operations and employment opportunities for local workers and suppliers.
“The number of expressions of interest in the past month proves there is a thirst for well paid, local jobs,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“The applications also reinforce the fact the over-whelming majority of the local community, including families, farmers and small business owners want
New Acland Stage 3 to go ahead.
“Once the project is underway, we’ll need truck drivers, engineers, electricians, operators, administration staff and mechanics.”
Mr O’Dwyer said at the peak of construction there will be close to 600 local workers on site at New Acland Mine.
“Throughout the life of the project, the permanent workforce will be approximately 400 full-time roles, made up of Darling Downs locals,” he said.
“Unlike a lot of other mines in Queensland, New Acland Mine does not engage fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers, with more than 90 per cent of our previous workforce living within 50 kilometres of the site.”
The suppliers who hope to benefit from the re-opening of the mine include Hastings Deering Cat Toowoomba.
Justin Butcher, Hastings Deering Toowoomba branch Operations Manager, said
his company had been working with New Hope Group since stage 1 of the mine.
“Stage 3 for Hastings Deering brings some exciting opportunities for additional employment and some training and development opportunities for apprentices and trainees in our region,” he said.
Mr Butcher said Hastings Deering, like many other suppliers, is waiting patiently for the AWL to be approved.
Workers and local businesses can register their interest in a job at New Acland Mine by
visiting here.
Once approved, New Hope Group estimates local workers, contractors and local businesses will benefit to the tune of $1 billion over the life of the New Acland Stage 3 project.
