Under the revised application throughput has been reduced from up to 10 million tonnes a year to a maximum of 7.5Mtpa reducing of the proposed mine life from 2042 to 2029.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said the coordinator general’s approval was subject to 137 strict conditions to manage the project’s impact.

“Today’s decision from the coordinator general is a significant step towards construction of this mine and great economic news for the Darling Downs and southeast Queensland,” Seeney said.

“This mine expansion is set to create over 250 jobs during construction and another 435 operational jobs, as well as providing business opportunities in the nearby towns of Dalby, Oakey, Pittsworth and others.

“The reduced scope of this project in response to local concerns is a good example of a resource company working hard to achieve community confidence.”

Seeney said the Queensland government had not supported New Acland Coal’s original 2007 expansion plan due to its effect on high quality agricultural land and proximity to local townships.

“However since 2012, the proponent has reduced the project’s footprint by around 60% and has relinquished 1401 hectares or 28% of the mining lease area, including the town of Acland,” he said.

Other changes include preserving the course of Lagoon Creek; moving the Jondaryan rail load-out facility 8km from the town; moving mining activity 10km from Oakey; and no relocation of the heritage-listed New Acland colliery.

The coordinator general has imposed strict conditions to protect land and groundwater, including baseline studies and ongoing monitoring of water bores.

New Hope managing director Shane Stephan said: “This is an important project for the Darling Downs and for Queensland.”

“The New Hope Group has worked very hard over an extended period, and has consulted widely with the local community, on a revised compromise plan for the continuation of the New Acland mine which addresses concerns over the previous proposal.

“The approval of the New Acland stage 3 Project ensures that the current employment and economic benefits are not lost to the Darling Downs and that New Hope continues to be a major employer in the region.”

Stephan said the majority of New Acland employees lived locally and spent their wages in their local communities.

“Stage 3 of the New Acland project will now provide a further boost of $12 billion to the local, state and national economies over the life of the mine,” he said.

“The revised New Acland project plan will extend the life of the current operation to about 2029, taking the number of full-time operational jobs to about 435, and creating another 260 jobs during the construction phase.

“The number of full-time contractors will increase to around 170 positions, and indirect jobs will grow by more than 1500.

“New Hope intends to source new employees, where possible, from the local region.

“The continuation plan will also boost social benefits and economic activity in the area through direct and indirect employment, investment and business opportunities – acting as an ongoing spur to the Darling Downs economy.”

The New Acland mine expansion will now be considered by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment for approval under the EPBC Act.

If approved, the proponents would then need to seek state government approval for a mining lease under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and an Environmental Authority under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.