- The Crisafulli Government has granted the extension of Stanwell's Meandu thermal coal mine extending the life of the mine into the 2040's.
- The extension guarantees the long-term security of 500 workers at the mine 25km south-east of Kingaroy and supports reliable baseload power for Queensland homes and industry.
- The Crisafulli Government is backing coal communities and is delivering a better lifestyle for regional Queensland through a stronger economy after Labor's anti-mining policies risked thousands of jobs.
The Crisafulli Government has secured the long-term future of 500 coal workers with the approval of the extension to Stanwell's Meandu thermal coal mine, 25km south-east of Kingaroy.
The approval for the mine extends operations by a 21-year term, unlocking a potential further 200 million tonnes of thermal coal to power Queensland homes and industry.
Coal from the Meandu Mine is exclusively supplied to the Tarong and Tarong North coal-fired power stations which provide approximately 20 per cent of Queensland's energy needs.
The extension will guarantee reliable baseload power from some of Australia's youngest coal-fired power plants to deliver long-term energy supply for Queensland homes and industry.
The Crisafulli Government is backing coal communities and is delivering a better lifestyle for regional Queensland through a stronger economy after the former Labor Government's anti-mining policies risked thousands of regional jobs.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the extension sent a clear message to Queenslanders that coal-fired generation will continue to power the State for decades to come.
"The role of coal-fired power has a long future in Queensland, and I want every coal worker in this State to know that the Crisafulli Government supports your industry," Minister Last said.
"Coal continues to supply over 60 per cent of Queensland's energy consumption requirements and the Crisafulli Government will back our coal miners so they can get on with the job of supplying homes, businesses, schools and manufacturers with the power they need.
"Coal is essential for energy security – when the sun doesn't shine, the wind doesn't blow and the batteries run dead – coal continues to power Queensland.
"The former Labor Government was set to close our coal-fired power stations but under our Energy Plan they will continue well into the future."
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the extension delivered long-term security to the 500 workers at the Meandu Mine and those at the neighbouring coal-fired power stations.
"This extension provides certainty for hundreds of workers in the South Burnett," Ms Frecklington said.
"It supports local jobs, providing certainty to families who call this region home, and to local business owners who can continue to operate knowing they are supported by a strong local economy.
"This is another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering for regional Queensland and hard-working coal communities by unlocking regional opportunities and building long-term economic capacity."
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff said the extension was great news for the South Burnett region.
"The extension of this mining lease is a significant vote of confidence in the South Burnett and the hard-working people who call our region home," Mayor Duff said.
"This project supports up to 500 jobs and delivers certainty for local families, businesses and communities that rely on a strong resources sector.
"Council welcomes continued investment in the region and the economic opportunities this extension will help secure for years to come."
