CFMEU Mining and Energy's Queensland District Executive has today called on the Queensland Government to act urgently as mining company New Hope begins a process to cut jobs at New Acland mine.
"The Queensland Government has been sitting on its hands and refusing to provide certainty for the proposed New Acland Stage 3 expansion," said District President Stephen Smyth.
"As a consequence, the company is now starting a process to identify 150 jobs for redundancy as existing coal reserves run out.
"The workforce and the community need certainty. These are good, existing jobs that support families and add enormous value to the region.
"The Stage 3 proposal is a sensible one, providing for the best mine rehabilitation program in the state.
"The Queensland Government can act now by declaring it a prescribed project and working with stakeholders to ensure there are no job losses."
The expansion proposal has attracted some high-profile opponents including radio shock jock Alan Jones. It has also been opposed by LNP leader Deb Frecklington.
"It is frustrating to see politicians say they support coal jobs when it suits them, for projects that aren't even built yet, then fail to stand up for real, existing coal mining jobs," said Mr Smyth.
"Coal miners are sick of having their livelihoods used as a political football. Let's get on with it and support these workers and families."
