Readers might recall in the past federal election that former Greens leader Bob Brown came out of retirement to herd Victoria and New South Wales-based environmentalists into central Queensland as part of a much publicised protest against Adani's proposed Carmichael coal project. 

The stunt back-fired and helped galvanise the central Queensland electorates in favour of Adani and of the coal mining industry generally at the federal election.

The Liberal-National coalition won that election and Adani's Carmichael mine is being built. 

Former resources minister Matt Canavan remembers this well and is offering anyone free selfies with a Bob Brown life size cutout at a Clermont pub.

If only Bandt could decide to follow in the shoes of his illustrious predecessor Bob Brown - who incidentally became famous by protesting against hydroelectricity in Tasmania - and lead a protest against New Acland.

New Hope is trying to get its New Acland Stage 3 mine extension approved, however, the Queensland government has refused to grant it because there is a High Court challenge to the mine going ahead.

The High Court has heard the Oakey Coal Action Alliance's appeal against New Acland Stage 3, however, it has not released a decision as yet.

New Hope has been forced to lay off nearly 200 employees - most of them from the New Acland mine - because the operation is almost played out.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is being recalcitrant and is unwilling to approve the New Acland project despite going up to the Bowen Basin and ensuring the media were around to see her approve Pembroke Resources' Olive Downs project.  

New Hope Corporation chief operating officer Andrew Boyd said governments did not need to wait for the courts in order to do their job and approve resource projects.

"The premier's announcement confirmed this," he said.

"We have a commitment from the Queensland Opposition that they will approve the project as a priority. We want the same commitment from the premier."

The events leading up the past federal election amply illustrate the fact that despite the value of coal mining projects to the community, decisions are usually made for short-term political gain.

Hogsback hopes the Greens will once again oblige with a stunt that will ensure the future of the New Acland project.