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The outback town that wouldn’t die (mainly because the treasurer won’t let it)

Treasurer Cameron Dick has told the mining industry the government would not back down over its plans to save the town of Glenden after claims it would lead to major job losses.

Sep 12, 2023, updated Sep 12, 2023
QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane 
(Photo: QRC)

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane (Photo: QRC)

Three weeks ago the Parliament passed legislation to secure the town ,which was facing extinction after Glencore’s nearby Newlands mine ends its life.

However, QCoal has a nearby mine called Byerwen which the treasurer said would be granted a mining lease to operate a temporary workers camp for its Byerwen coal mine but will be required to move workers out of the camp and progressively house them in Glenden from 2025, with no workers to remain at the camp after 2029.

About 300 homes were likely to be demolished when Glencore left.

Queensland Resources Council 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,” 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.”

Treasurer Dick said he had a message for Macfarlane.

“We won’t back away from a fight,” Dick said.

“We are going to fight for every town and every city and every region across Queensland.”

“It doesn’t matter how rich or powerful you think you are or if you are the biggest mining company in the world.”

The comments add to the already broken relationship between mining and the State Goverment after a hike in royalties led the industry starting a major advertising campaign attacking the Government’s policy.

 

 

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