Crisafulli government kicks in $400k for Glenden Community Hub

A Bowen Basin community has been given a boost, but an industry leader has warned there it could be tough times ahead for mining.

Aerial view of Glenden, Queensland, a small mining town that was at risk of being demolished.

A Bowen Basin town — whose future depends on a nearby mine site — has been handed a $400,000 win, while industry leaders warn of tough times ahead.

In March, 2025 the LNP gave mining company QCoal a lifeline by extending the deadline to move its workforce to Glenden.

Now the Crisafulli government have said they will kick in $400,000 to refurbish Glenden’s former child care centre into a community hub.

Mines Minister and Burdekin MP Dale Last said the investment marked a commitment to Glenden’s future.

“Glenden is a great town with a strong community, and the Crisafulli Government is committed to its future,” Mr Last said.

Burdekin MP Dale Last at Glenden, a mining town previously scheduled for demolishing that hasn't quite been saved yet.

The investment will transform the childcare centre into a “multipurpose facility” and house the town’s library.

QCoal is now required to move 10 per cent of its workforce in or near Glenden by the end of the year and 25 per cent by 2027.

QCoal's Byerwen mine at Suttor near Glenden in the Bowen Basin. Picture: Contributed

Isaac mayor Kelly vea Vea said the investment would “breath life back into a building that has real potential to bring families and neighbours together”.

“It’s about connection, care and creating a place that helps families feel supported and proud to call Glenden home,” Ms Vea Vea said.

But Coal Australia chief executive Stuart Bocking warned there were challenging times ahead for the Bowen Basin.

Stuart Bocking chief executive of Coal Australia. Picture - Supplied

“There have been weather events, particularly around Moranbah earlier in the year... layer on top of that sharply rising operating costs, royalties and it's almost a perfect storm,” Mr Bocking said.

Mr Bocking pointed repeatedly to royalties introduced “at a time of record highs” and said with coal prices down globally they weren’t sustainable.

“That’s what we want to highlight to the government and work constructively with them,” Mr Bocking said.

The Burton mine near Moranbah is facing shut down resulting in the potential loss of 500 jobs as coal prices drop 25 per cent since June 2024.

The LNP remain committed to the royalties in place which yielded $5.8bn for the state in 2024/2025.

“It’s not just about profits it’s about flourishing regional communities and peoples jobs,” Mr Bocking

The state government will also fund new modular homes for Nebo, helping to create five two-bedroom, two-bathroom houses.

As part of the Local government grants and subsidies program, 60 per cent or $1,691,182 of the total cost of $2,818,636 will be supplied by the government.

Ms Vea Vea said these homes made it easier to attract skilled workers to the community.

This comes after Isaac region ratepayers were hit with a 5.17 per cent rate rise.

Originally published as Crisafulli government kicks in $400k for Glenden Community Hub