Talks continue as demolition threat hangs over Glenden

Glencore says it has no immediate plans to demolish housing in the Bowen Basin mining community of Glenden as talks between fellow miner QCoal, the Queensland Government and Isaac Regional Council continue. The council is warning that 300 homes are set to be bulldozed as Glencore winds down its involvement in the community and continues its rehabilitation responsibilities following last coal from the nearby Newlands mine. In the absence of another 'anchor tenant' prepared to support Glenden, Glencore has confirmed that those statutory rehabilitation obligations would include the town site. "Glencore would welcome an agreement between QCoal and the Queensland Government which would see the community of Glenden continue," it said in a written statement today. The local council has been putting the heat on the government and QCoal, whose $1.8 billion Byerwen coal mine is located about 20km from the community. Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker. “In the middle of an unprecedented housing crisis, we should be building and maintaining communities, not bulldozing them,” Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said. “This should be a straightforward transition in a mining town of one company to another. All the housing and infrastructure are there for QCoal’s taking. “The Queensland Government talks a big game when it comes to a ‘just transition’ yet they could potentially stumble at the first hurdle. “This is a billion-dollar mine with a 50-year lifespan, yet Glenden less than 20 kilometres down the road, is set to be bulldozed, it just doesn’t make any sense. “If bulldozing an entire community is what Queensland can expect with the energy transition, then we are in serious trouble.” The council said that after multiple court findings supporting its fight to put all workers’ accommodation in Glenden, the mining giant lodged an application for their workers’ camp through the back door of the Queensland Resources Minister. The Queensland Government has given preliminary approval under the Minerals Resources Act for a 450-bed mineworkers’ camp to be built on the Byerwen mine lease. Resources Minister Scott Stewart said today that no decision had been made on that matter. "I will consider submissions from stakeholders before making any decision," he said. Glenden was established in the 1980s to house the workers of Newlands coal mine, which came to the end of its operating life early this year. Glencore has supported services for the township including the Glenden medical centre; Glenden Bar and Grill; general store; long day care; payment of residential and commercial water rates; housing and meals for employees and contractors; housing for the employees of businesses operating in Glenden; local gymnasium, hairdresser and massage therapist. For example, the company operates the Glenden medical centre via a services contract with Central Queensland Health Services at an annual cost of about $1.1 million. Glencore said its workforce would be reduced in a planned and phased manner over time. "A number of operations personnel have already been offered redeployment opportunities at other Glencore sites, while we will continue to use a significant number of our own employees and contractors to complete the mine closure works," teh company said. "These workers can continue to live in Glenden for the remainder of their employment at Newlands." The Department of Resources said most of Glenden’s houses and commercial properties were owned by Glencore but sat on land leased from the State. "The Department is working with Glencore regarding their strategy to identify whether properties are surplus to Glencore’s needs and whether they are suitable for alternative uses" a department spoekswoman said.

Talks continue as demolition threat hangs over Glenden

Industry Queensland

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