Answers needed on mining deaths

Yes, mining is a dangerous industry — it always has been. But the spate of injuries in such a short amount of time has really put the spotlight on the sector and something is going wrong.

SIX mine and quarry deaths in 12 months. It’s truly horrible.

This city might not be as close to mining as the Central Queensland hubs of Mackay and Rockhampton but there are still many people who work in the sector or know people within the industry too.

It’s a tragedy that a 27-year-old man’s life has been ended.

His death comes after another man was seriously injured at Glencore’s Collinsville site just hours before too.

Yes, mining is a dangerous industry — it always has been. But the spate of injuries in such a short amount of time has really put the spotlight on the sector.

Something is going wrong with some part of the process. Regardless of where the fault lies, it needs to be fixed.

Everyone deserves to be able to come home from work safely.

It was good to see the State Government get on the front foot quickly after it heard about the death at Baralaba. It will take a whole-of-industry approach to make things better for the people who head underground each day.

It should not be a slanging match between employers and unions.

Now is not the time for that.

This is happening too often and it needs to be stopped.

City must keep its great race

What a race it was yesterday at the Townsville 400. The unseasonable rain caught everyone out on and off the track.

And with a dangerous fire in the pits it made for spectacular viewing.

Although the crowd was down compared with last year, Townsville must be given the contract to keep this race.

It should not be a short-term contract either. More certainty is needed for the event’s future.

This weekend was the 11th time the race has been held — surely that’s enough of a track record of success to keep it here. If Townsville was to lose it, the city would struggle to get it back. The State Government needs to get this sorted as soon as possible. Yes, a bang for buck for your investment is important but events like this are about more than money.

Originally published as Answers needed on mining deaths