‘Major tears’ as Glenden saved but questions remain on impact of rushed laws as QCoal hits out
The regional mining town of Glenden has been saved from the wrecking ball, but the company impacted has slammed the move as “draconian”.
QLD Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The regional mining town of Glenden has been saved from the wrecking ball through emergency changes rammed through parliament, but the company impacted has slammed the move as “draconian”.
And as the community heralds the saving of the town, the Opposition has raised questions about the state governments handling of the issue and the “unintended” consequences of rushed laws.
The central Queensland town of Glenden, population less than 500, was facing demolition under an agreement with miner Glencore which was obliged to rehabilitate the area it built in the 1980s once it was done with the nearby mine.
But a major campaign by the community and the Isaac Regional Council managed to sway the state government, which this week rushed through laws designed to keep Glenden going.
Under the changes miner QCoal, whose Byerwen mine about 25km west of Glenden, will be legally obliged under a mining lease to transition its workers from a temporary on-site camp to homes in the town.
In the year starting March 2025, 10 per cent of Byerwen mine workers will need to live in Glenden, with the proportion increasing in stages, with all workers housed there from March 2029.
A spokesman for QCoal said the legislation was “more far-reaching” than they had expected.
“We have not been included in any engagement or consultation with the government over these draconian laws and will need time to review them in full,” he said.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart, alongside Isaac Regional councillors, travelled to Glenden on Friday and affirmed the plan “secures the long-term viability” of the town.
“This issue is extremely complex, and I want to thank QCoal and the (council) for their input to this issue,” he said.
“This plan will mean QCoal can continue production at Byerwen knowing that their workforce has accommodation options.”
QCoal’s current on-site camp would have been rendered illegal without the mining lease
He said the state government would work with all stakeholders to develop an implementation plan in the first six months.
Opposition resources spokesman Pat Weir, speaking in parliament, said the party supported the community of Glenden but the state government had known the issue would come to a head for years and there was no proper reason to circumvent scrutiny.
“There are serious questions about who actually owns the buildings. What consultation has there been with QCoal and Glencore?” he asked.
“Who will be responsible for the maintenance of facilities including the shops and the pool? We know that there are a lot of asbestos issues in those houses. Who will remove the asbestos and who will do the repairs?
“There are a lot of questions to be answered on this issue … I am very fearful of the unintended consequences of this decision.
“The flow-on effects to other mines, workers camps, mining towns and communities are very real.”
Long-term Glenden resident Milissa Phillips-Payne said she had cried a “major amount of tears” of happiness as laws to save the town were passed.
She said there were not many places left in Australia with the safety record of a proud tiny tidy town like Glenden.
Isaac Regional Council Anne Baker said the future of Glenden had been enshrined in law, ensuring that the community will continue to thrive.
Alleged bikie threats spark CFMEU security overhaul
Private security guards have been stationed at the Queensland CFMEU office after union members allegedly received serious threats from bikies.
Why LNP really scrapped the controversial CFMEU ‘tax’
Unions and so-called work ‘perks’ have become the scapegoat for blowouts on Qld projects as the LNP moves to scrap the BPIC policy. But there's more to the story, writes CFMEU official Dylan Howard.