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The State Government’s decision to pass legislation forcing mining company QCoal to accommodate its employees in the Central Queensland town of Glenden from 2025 onwards was made without consulting the people most affected, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) said today.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the government had pushed through the legislation without any real consultation or consideration of the consequences for the 400 QCoal employees who currently work at Byerwen mine.
“QCoal has complied with all regulatory requirements required by the government, only to see the rules changed after the event without any consultation,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Now the company is facing a workforce walk-out at a time when it’s already hard enough to attract enough skilled workers to the resources sector.
“The State Government should have properly consulted all parties to find a solution that doesn’t have such a deep personal impact on the lives of mine workers and their families.
“It’s understandable that employees have serious concerns about being forced to live in sub-standard homes with sub-standard community services in Glenden when they already have suitable on-site accommodation available. It’s difficult to imagine the Government doing this to any other industry.
“The resources sector supports 90 per cent of jobs in the Isaac region and is the biggest contributor to the local economy.
“If Byerwen mine’s ability to operate to its full potential in the future is impacted by this decision and flow-on staff shortages, the economic consequences will be felt by businesses right across the region’s supply chain.”
