Where next for New Acland coal mine Stage 3 expansion project?

The Queensland Court of Appeal has set aside the decisions of the Land Court and the Supreme Court with respect to Stage 3 of the New Acland coal mine in the Darling Downs.¹

In this article, we consider this decision and its implications for the project proponent.

Background

In 2017, the Land Court recommended refusal of the Stage 3 expansion to the New Acland coal mine. The Supreme Court overturned that decision, requiring the Land Court's recommendation be remade, but held that the parties were bound by the findings and conclusions of fact at first instance.

You can read our summaries of the Land Court's decision here and the Supreme Court's decision here.

The Court of Appeal's decision