- Historical Data Collection and Compilation: Collect historical documents, archival records, maps, and historical imagery.
- Contemporary Archaeological Investigations: Conduct site surveys using GPS/GNSS and terrestrial photogrammetry and laser scanning. Document cultural heritage and oral history associated with time periods and mine transitions.
- Engage in stakeholder interviews with:
- Past Acland residents and business owners
- Current Acland residents
- Past employees of the Acland Colliery
- Current and past employees of the New Hope Mine
- Residents of Oakey and Jondaryan
- Past pastoralists
- Current pastoralists
- Model development: This project has the potential to create a valuable road map for transition and integrated closure, using the case study of the Acland Township, which currently is the location of the New Acland Mine.
- Model Development: Analyse historical and contemporary data to assess the impact of mining on surface water hydrology. Develop data-driven models to simulate hydrological dynamics.
- Wildlife characterisation: assess the nature of the ‘rewilding’ process as the township has slowly declined.
- Visualisation and Communication: Generate visualisations, maps, and data-driven graphics to effectively communicate research findings. Develop interactive maps for stakeholders and the public to explore and understand the research outcomes.
