Coalfields council urges better transition management

Isaac Regional Council has highlighted the need for a Regional Transition Authority to assist mining communities as operations close following a shake-up in plans to secure the coalfields township of Glenden's future. The former State Labor Government introduced legislation in 2023 to force QCoal Byerwen mine’s 800-strong workforce to live in the township of Glenden rather than in onsite workforce accommodation. But new Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last this week backed the ongoing preservation of the workers’ camp and extended the legislative timeline for employees to shift. Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the council was happy to see that the legislation remained in place. "It’s a tool available to Minister Last to hold companies to their original commitments — commitments made to the people of Glenden when mine approvals were granted," Cr Vea Vea said. Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea. “Mining communities like Glenden were built for a purpose, and when that purpose ends, they’re left to fend for themselves. “This is why we need a Regional Transition Authority to bring all levels of government and key stakeholders to the table to manage these complex transitions properly." Glenden was established in the 1980s to house the workers of the Newlands coal mine, which came to the end of its operating life two years ago. The council feared that the community was set to be bulldozed, with Newlands owner Glencore winding down its involvement and undertaking rehabilitation responsibilities including removal of the town. It had fought for QCoal Group, whose Byerwen coal mine is located about 20km from the community, to put workers’ accommodation in Glenden rather than expanding on-site accommodation. QCoal group executive James Black has railed at Byerwen being singled out, arguing that workers being denied a choice in where they lived were likely to leave the operation in drives. Cr Vea Vea said the council wholeheartedly supported statements made by Mr Last at a meeting in Glenden this week, when he said that all mining companies in Queensland should have skin in the game when it came to the communities they operates in. Related: QCoal welcomes State shift on workforce accommodation “We’ve seen a stark difference in how some companies handle their exit from mining towns," she said. “Some treat it like a transaction — hand over the paperwork, tick compliance boxes and walk away. “Others show real leadership by engaging early, planning for the community’s future, and taking responsibility beyond the mine gate. “When companies step up and genuinely engage with councils, governments, industry leaders and communities, we can work together on water security, social investment, and legacy projects that leave something lasting behind. That kind of collaboration makes all the difference during a transition.” Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government was committed to ensuring Glenden had a viable and sustainable future, with the investment and planning it needed to thrive. “We’re giving workers, businesses, the mining industry, and the community a clear and achievable path forward – which actually considers what Glenden needs to be sustainable into the future," he said. “This revised transition timeline gives us time to work with all stakeholders and consider serious issues like housing quality and water security – problems Labor ignored. ” You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/isaac-council-ready-to-hold-new-owners-to-account/

Coalfields council urges better transition management

Industry Queensland

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