Police investigate wilful damage incident at Blair Athol mine, Clermont

A disgruntled ex-supervisor captured on CCTV smashing a staffer’s window outside a Bowen Basin worksite will not be charged as police reveal new details.

A disgruntled former crew supervisor at Blair Athol mine was dealt with by police over smashing the windscreen of a vehicle belonging to a female worker while it was parked at a mine site.

A disgruntled former crew supervisor, who smashed the windscreen of a vehicle belonging to a female worker while it was parked at a mine site, will not have to pay a fine and has not been charged.

The incident occurred on September 4, 2023 at Blair Athol mine where the man was captured on the company’s CCTV cameras using a tool to cause damage to the vehicle, prompting a police investigation.

It is understood the man had previously been stood down and then later his employment had been terminated.

Following a complaint to police, officers investigated the windscreen damage.

A disgruntled former crew supervisor at Blair Athol mine was dealt with by police over smashing the windscreen of a vehicle belonging to a female worker while it was parked at a mine site.

“Police have concluded their investigation into a wilful damage offence that occurred in the carpark of the Blair Athol Mine, Clermont, at around 8.55pm on Monday, September 4,” a Queensland Police Service spokesman said.

“The incident allegedly involved a man smashing the windscreen of a car parked at the Blair Athol Mine with a tool.”

As a result a 45-year-old Clermont man was “dealt with” in relation to the matter.

An aerial view of Blair Athol mine. Picture: Lock the Gate Alliance

He was not issued an infringement notice and will not have to go through the court process.

“The police investigation is now finalised,” the QPS spokesman said.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland said in a statement it encouraged workers to come forward with complaints of workplace harassment.

A disgruntled former crew supervisor at Blair Athol mine was dealt with by police over smashing the windscreen of a vehicle belonging to a female worker while it was parked at a mine site.

RSHQ executive director of occupational health Dean Barr said there were designated staff who received and responded to reports of incidents involving psychosocial hazards.

“Sexual harassment, violence or aggression in any form is unacceptable including at our mines, quarries, or gas fields,” Mr Barr said.

“Anyone who has experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour at their site can report the matter through RSHQ’s dedicated number on 1300 581 077.”

This publication contacted TerraCom, operator of Blair Athol, for comment but the company did not respond to the request.