Queensland has refused to provide an environmental license for a proposed $900 Million expansion of the New Acland coalmine.

"The decision to refuse the application is in line with the recommendation of the Land Court which was handed down in May 2017," read the statement from the Queensland environment department.  It signals the state's intention to accept last year's land and environmental court ruling which said expanding the mine would "cause disruptions to aquifers in the Acland region which will have an impact on nearby landholders".

New Hope Coal said it was disappointed by the outcome and would consider its options in response.  "The company is committed to securing approval for this project and in doing so being able to provide ongoing employment for the approximately 300 employees and 500 contractors currently engaged at the New Acland Coal Mine," the company said in a statement.  The company has applied for judicial review of the land court's decision.

But environmental campaigners cheered today's decision as they welcomed last year's court ruling.

"This is a wonderful day for Acland farmers and residents.  They ran the longest legal challenge in the history of the land court, and won, and we're all relieved that decision has been respected by the department," said Ellie Smith, from Lock the Gate Alliance.  "This vindicates everything local people have worked so hard to protect for the last 10 years – rich farming country, groundwater and the health and well-being of their families," she added.

"They have suffered health impacts and severe mental distress as a result of the negative impacts of the existing mine and fears about the expansion."