Moranbah could host new Queensland Mines Rescue Service centre at Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct
A simulated mine, firefighting facilities and accommodation are planned for a mining town as a safety body pitches a new centre to complement a major facility.
Mackay
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A new facility which prepares mine site workers for the worst pitched an up and coming Bowen Basin resources hub.
The Queensland Mines Rescue Service has released its plans to build a training facility south of Moranbah as part of the Isaac Resources Excellence Hub.
Steve Boxall at the Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay said they’ve been working closely with QMRS.
“I think it is amazing that the resources sector is leading the way in the terms of supporting and developing training facilities that have a focus on safety,” Mr Boxall said.
“You’d have to search far to find any industry world wide that invests more in safety training and preparedness.”
The new facility aims to facilitate training closer to mines near Moranbah, as people previously had to travel to facilities in Blackwater, Boonal, Dysart or Stewarton for training.
Murray and Associates planner Andrew Bell said the purpose of the new facility was to train mine personnel “safely and efficiently” in rescue operations, firefighting, rope rescue and drone use.
The proposed development will transform a vacant area of 18.2ha at Moranbah Railway Rd, Rd 2km south of Moranbah into a complex with eight accommodation units, bathhouse building, training building and a simulated mine structure.
“The development area is seen as an ideal location for the use: given the sites proximity to the town of Moranbah and surrounding coal mines; access to a road network; and compatibility with surrounding land uses,” Mr Bell said.
“This new facility will be the cornerstone of mine training in the Isaac region and will eliminate the need for long travel to gain access to mine rescue training.”
Mr Bell said trainers will carry out an average of three training session per day with approximately 10 people attending each session, from Monday to Friday.
“Occasionally sessions will be provided on weekends to cater for mine rosters,” he said.
He said the simulated mine will create an underground environment and allow for “immersive and highly effective” training situations.
Two industrial sheds are planned for west of the simulated mine site also to be used in training activities.
The QMRS training facility will also have eight one-bedroom dongas to house trainers, with a BBQ area nearby available for use.
Documents submitted to council also reveal plans for a 530 sqm bathhouse with storage, gym and separate amenities for men and women.
A carpark of 32 spaces will be built and the development is expected to create another 34 trips per day.
Mr Bell said the proposed training complex would compliment the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct and “ensure a vital training resource”.
The proposal comes amid a flurry of proposals and funding announcements for the Isaac region including a new mine site power station, funding to a community hub in Glenden and new homes for Nebo and Moranbah.
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