The Queensland Government has signalled that coal power will not be phased out for “decades to come” with a 21-year extension of a mine near Kingaroy.
The announcement today of the extension to Stanwell’s Meandu thermal coal mine has secured the long-term future of 500 coal workers.
It also unlocks the potential to mine a further 200 million tonnes of thermal coal.
Coal from the Meandu Mine is exclusively supplied to the Tarong and Tarong North coal-fired power stations that provide around 20 percent of Queensland’s energy needs.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the extension would guarantee reliable baseload power from some of Australia’s youngest coal-fired power plants.
He said the Stanwell decision 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,” Mr Last said.
“Coal continues to supply over 60 percent 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.”
Mr Last said coal was essential for energy security “when the sun doesn’t shine, the wind doesn’t blow and the batteries run dead”.
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.
“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,” she said.
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,” Cr Duff said.
