Queensland’s Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps, has opened QCV Australia’s new miners’ village in Sarina, which will provide accommodation for hundreds of workers employed at nearby mines.
According to the press release by the Queensland Government, the $35 million village in Sarina, south of Mackay, will offer a cost-effective accommodation option for up to 600 miners and will support major local projects, such as the Hay Point Expansion Project and other upcoming projects planned for the region.
“This investment by QCV shows the industry’s confidence in the Newman Government’s work to grow the resources sector and create new jobs for families working in the resources sector,” Mr Cripps said.
“We have a strong plan to grow the resources pillar of the Queensland economy and are also committed to seeing growth in our regional communities through new resources projects going ahead.”
The project directly employed 56 workers during construction and currently employs 30 people for onsite operations and management.
QCV currently operates more than 3200 beds across seven locations and is planning to add a further 2500 beds in the near future.
“Mining in Queensland is now a larger employer than both agriculture and hospitality, which shows just how important the industry is to our economic growth and the prosperity of our families,” Mr Cripps said.
Member for Mirani, Ted Malone, said he was pleased QCV had built a professional and aesthetically pleasing accommodation village in Sarina.
“As the Local MP I would like to thank QCV for their professional and cooperative approach to this project,” Mr Malone said.
“This facility is a great asset to Sarina and QCV is a highly valued corporate citizen in our community.”
Mr Cripps said the new village supported the Newman Government’s ResourcesQ initiative.
“Under the former government the resources industry was tied up in red tape and regulation, with no clear direction for its long term future, but we are committed to revitalising the sector. At the end of 2013, I launched the ResourcesQ initiative to develop a 30-year vision and action plan to ensure Queensland continues to have a competitive and diversified resources sector,” he said.
“Over the past six months, I have visited five major resource provinces and heard from industry and communities about where they would like to see the resources sector in 30 years’ time. This consultation has equipped us with the tools we need to ensure Queensland remains a global resource destination and continues to build on our competitive strengths.”