Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has recommended to provide a submission to the Queensland Coordinator General on changes proposed by New Acland Coal Pty Ltd for their New Acland Coal Mine Stage 3 project.
Council endorsed recommendations at its June Infrastructure Services Committee Meeting that the submission not object to New Acland's variation request but include a range of measures to protect and address road, rail, environmental effects and community impact/engagement.
TRC Construction and Maintenance (Infrastructure Services) portfolio spokesperson Councillor Carol Taylor said Council's submission would focus on continuing to mitigate impacts of coal cartage from the New Acland site through the Toowoomba Region while looking at community legacy opportunities from the project.
"New Alcand Coal has asked the Coordinator General to vary their Stage 3 approval to remove the need for the construction of a proposed rail spur line and loop from the Western Rail Line at Jondaryan to the mine as well as not constructing a new coal load out facility at the mine.
"This will have impacts on our road network if approved by the Coordinator General and Council needs to ensure strong road user maintenance agreements are in place with New Acland for the ongoing coal cartage on the Jondaryan Muldu Road between the mine site and the current coal load out facility at Jondaryan.
"Council will also look to mitigate impacts from train movements through greater Toowoomba, with particular emphasis on supporting emergency services and minimising traffic disruptions during peak hours, with our submission to also request a weekday rail freight movement curfew between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm.
"Community legacy will also be a key part of Council's submission to the Coordinator General with a request for long-term financial support of the Jondaryan Woolshed and the establishment of a community foundation that supports the wider Toowoomba Region," Cr Taylor said.
TRC will provide its submission to the Coordinator General this month (by June 30, 2025).
