Voluntary receivership move not related to recent coal job losses in CQ

It’s “business as usual” for mining and industrial services provider SMW Group as it works through a formal restructuring process, says operations manager Jack Trenaman.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last, Mirani MP Glen Kelly MP, Keppel MP Nigel Hutton and Rockhampton MP Donna Kirkland listen to SMW director and board chair Jack Trenaman explain what they do on August 20, 2025. Pic: Gabriel Garcia

It’s “business as usual” for leading Central Queensland mining and industrial services provider SMW Group as it works through a formal restructuring process, says operations manager Jack Trenaman.

Mr Trenaman reassured SMW’s 300 staff, its many customers and the community that the move into voluntary administration was part of a well-considered plan to transition the business from a complex multiple ownership model back to a more simple private ownership structure.

Jack Trenaman at Parliament House campaigning for the Rockhampton Ring Road Project. Gary Ramage

“This has been a planned process which protects all our operations while preserving all employee entitlements, roles, and responsibilities are fully supported and protected as a priority as usual,” he said Tuesday, September 23.

“We are simply reassuring everyone that we will be continuing to operate ‘business as usual’ while continuing to deliver on all our contracts. We are fully committed to supporting all of our employees, customers and suppliers both on-site and off-site services.

“We shall continue providing all critical field service maintenance and engineering support for all our clients, safely and without interruption.

“The continuation of our employee teams on-site, our mobilised full range of hire equipment, and our ongoing commitment to high safety standards and service will not be compromised through this restructure process.”

Mr Trenamen said the move to private ownership involved delisting from the New Zealand stock exchange as trading entity Alertvale was placed into voluntary administration to conclude the restructure process.

SMW Group’s Jack Trenaman.

He said the transition was well underway and would make the business “more efficient, stronger and more resilient”.

Mr Trenamen said the timing of the restructure was not connected to the loss of coal jobs across the sector in recent weeks, following announcements by BHP, Anglo and Bowen Coking Coal.

“We didn’t plan their announcements at the same time but that unfortunately was how it rolled out,” he said.

“Unlike our unfortunate friends in the coal and finance sectors, we shall not be reducing our employee numbers in our operations teams but maintaining and supporting new opportunities of our field services teams post the VA process conclusion.

“This business will continue to be a trusted partner for the long term with all our stakeholders in the communities in which we service.”

Mr Trenamen also addressed concerns that the growth of Artificial Intelligence would result in job losses in the mining service sector.

“I have explained to our employees in our business structure that we are basically AI proof as all our roles are hands on,” he said.

“We haven't had AI replace a diesel fitter, a boiler maker, an auto electrician, a plumber and electrician, etc.”

Cor Cordis, which was appointed Voluntary Administrator of Alertvale Pty Ltd trading as SMW Group on September 18, said they will work closely with management and stakeholders to explore options to restructure the business, preserve jobs and ensure continuity of services to clients.

Originally published as Voluntary receivership move not related to recent coal job losses in CQ