Community & Business
4 February, 2025
The new normal
Oakey Chamber of Commerce President David Cooper and New Acland Coal (NAC) General Manager Dave O’Dwyer say they are embracing the strange feeling of stability after the Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) withdrew its last appeal against the Mine’s activities.
The notice of withdrawal and discontinuance ends OCAA’s Stage 3 legal challenges and enables New Acland Coal to fast-track its operational ramp up plan without the threat of ongoing legal action.
New Acland Coal General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the conclusion of OCAA’s final legal challenge is a landmark day for Mine and its workers, who currently number just over 280.
“It is a moment of celebration for our workforce, their families and our supporters, including local farmers, landholders, business leaders and the local community” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“The conclusion of OCAA’s final legal challenge ends an 18-year approvals process and eliminates the anxiety for our workforce and their loved ones.
“This number is set to increase in the coming months as we ramp up with certainty and return to full production.”
Mr O’Dwyer said the Mine would now seek to discontinue the proposed rail loop from Jondaryan to the mine-site by submitting an application to the Office of the Queensland
Co-ordinator General.
David Cooper said the certainty around the Mine’s future would provide an incentive to potential investors and developers to spend money in the town.
“In particular, I know there is the potential for 300 houses to get built in Oakey,” he said.
“That was not 100 per cent hinging on (the) Acland (application), but this will give (developers) the confidence to spend money in the town.
“We all want to see things grow and that’s what I want to see for Oakey as well.
“I think that’s what people in the Oakey township are looking forward to as well is having a new normal - with nothing hanging over us negatively.”
Outside of New Acland’s core business, Mr Cooper said the New Acland Community Information Centre, had played a major role in helping Oakey get back on its feet following the mine’s mothballing during the appeals process.
“They are like a support group for everyone in the town,” he said.
“If there’s any group that needs extra assistance with organising something - resources, cash, people (they help). It really shows the values that the mine have.”
With new housing on the way and the Mine locked in, what are your hopes for Oakey? Send us a line at editorial@oakeychampion.com.au
