June 2008

Mackay delegate Darryl Lynch reports that the area is facing another wave of mining development, expected to bring another 15,000 jobs to the region. 

 Fifty-five new mines are planned for the Bowen Basin with 33 of these located within the Mackay region, in addition to its current 32 coal mines. 

As a result, Mackay’s population is expected to grow by 42% with the addition of another 40,000 residents by 2026.

According to Mackay Regional Economic Development Corporation Executive officer Narelle Pearse, drawing employees from existing retail, hospitality and agriculture sectors may ease pressure placed on infrastructure by an influx of labour, which to my mind conjures images of exploited teenage miners and mine cannolis.

Clermont is destined to host the state’s largest open cut coal mine with anticipated production of 12.2 million tons of coal.

According to an article in the Daily Mercury the state is set for a show down over preservation or development of the Mackay Showgrounds with and Environmental Protection Agency audit recommending it for Queensland Cultural Heritage listing as a place of local significance.

 The Queensland Government has earmarked the land for sale conditional upon the construction of 240 homes upon the site. Funds from the sale would be used to purchase showground land elsewhere. However, the Urban Land Development Authority has the ability to override any potential heritage listing. Construction at the showgrounds is expected to start in 2010.

Community opposition to the destruction of the showgrounds is likely to matched by opposition to construction of its replacement; as evidenced by community opposition to the proposed construction of 45 two story units on a vacant block in an existing development area approximately 7 kilometres north of Mackay CBD.