Proposal for 192-bed camp for workers in Mount Coolon
Application documents state the camp would cater to workers from a range of industries.
Whitsunday
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A 192-BED camp that could house workers from mining, construction and agriculture has been earmarked for Mt Coolon.
The proposed accommodation includes 48 demountable buildings set up across six lots on Barclay and Mill St, next to the Mount Coolon hotel.
The proposal outlines that each building would contain four rooms with ensuites.
The site will also have a gym, theatre, laundry, mess and bar in demountable buildings.
The application documents state that unlike typical camps, the Mt Coolon site would house workers from a range of industries who are working on projects like the Carmichael Rail and Bowen Developmental Road upgrades.
Developers hoped it would also be used for workers travelling to the region seasonally for mustering and other non-mining activities.
The entry point for the camp will be on Mill St with about 100 on-site carparks.
The application also outlines plans for a bus bay on Mill St to transport workers to and from respective sites.
Whitsunday Regional Council officers requested further information from the applicants, Capricorn Property Developments Pty Ltd, to establish the need for a camp with questions over whether it aligned with the council’s planning scheme.
In response, the applicants outlined that the closest work camps are 130km away in Collinsville and 170km away in Nebo.
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They projected an increase in demand for accommodation over the next five years with about 1320 beds needed for railway construction works and a further 288 for other projects including dam works and quarrying operations.
Developers also argued the camp would provide a boost to the region’s economy and help in COVID recovery.
The camp would employ 10 staff on completion including cleaners, chefs and maintenance staff.
The application is listed for public notification here.
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