The
CLERMONT RAG Community Newsletter Friday March 20, 2015
Mining Minister assures Isaac Regional Council The Mayor of the largest mining region in Queensland welcomed Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham to Moranbah with 100% forced Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) top of the agenda this week (Tuesday March 10). Minister Lynham said Isaac Regional Council has worked hard, spending years actively campaigning for state policy against future 100% FIFO in resource communities. “I want to assure Council and Isaac communities, the State Government will stand by our policy to reject any future applications for 100% FIFO.” Mayor Baker said Dr Lynham agreed workers should have the freedom to choose where they live. “This is a huge win for workers and families in our region, for the newly formed State Government and Queensland; to put a stop to any future 100% forced FIFO practices near established resource communities.” “We know when people are given genuine choice; enough will decide to live and work locally to ensure our communities remain sustainable,” said Mayor Baker. Mayor Anne Baker said the meeting was an opportunity for Council to advocate for the eight key priorities facing Isaac communities, including water security, return of planning
powers to local governments and priority road infrastructure. “This first meeting showed Council the state government is willing to listen and work with local governments on solutions.” “The discussions were promising and we look forward to addressing these issues collaboratively with the Minister and state government.” 1. 100% forced FIFO - The implementation of Labor’s Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Policy, and the commitment to review existing 100% FIFO workforce arrangements near established mining communities. 2. Water supply - Infrastructure funding to proactively manage ageing networks and plants. Sustainable, secure water supply. 3. Priority Road Infrastructure Targeted investment in the Alpha Clermont Road, and the Peak Downs and Bruce Highways 4. Cumulative impacts – The ability to regulate, enforce and penalize companies regarding impact conditions affecting local government. 5. Recommendations from federal FIFO report - Council looks to the State Government to advocate to the Federal
“No future 100% FIFO”
Government to implement the 21 recommendations of the Federal FIFO/DIDO report, and develop action plans in consultation with local governments. 6. Return of planning powers Isaac Regional Council seeks the return of planning powers and the removal of UDAs in resource communities. 7. Real role in Environmental Impact Statement process – For policy and legislative change that ensures Councils play a real role in the planning and conditioning of projects to ensure real mitigation measures are undertaken. 8. Royalties for the Regions That the Resource Producing Communities Fund be split with each eligible Council receiving an allocated amount. And, the remaining 50% be open to a bid process. For the Building Stronger Regions program eligibility criteria to genuinely consider resource impacts to the area. Image 1: Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines with IRC Mayor Anne Baker discuss key priorities facing the Isaac region. Image 2: Front: IRC Mayor Anne Baker, Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines. Back: Acting Chief of Staff Adrian Noon, Cr Peter Freeleagus, Acting CEO Graham Webb and Cr Kelly Vea Vea.