Expert panel to look into the impact of Queensland’s FIFO mines

1567
Image credit: www.qld.gov.au

Queensland’s Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham announced on Wednesday that a panel of resource community and sector leaders will be examining the impact of Queensland’s existing 100% Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) mines near regional communities.

Image credit: www.qld.gov.au

He said that by establishing an expert panel the Government was fulfilling its election commitment to introduce choice for workers to live in the resource communities near to where they work.

“I believe there should be choice. If people want to live in resource or regional communities, they should have the opportunity to apply for jobs in resource communities,” Dr Lynham said.

“Whether you live in Moranbah or Mackay or Moura, or in any resource community, you should have the opportunity to work there or at least nearby.”

Adertisement

The four-person panel is chaired by Gladstone senior business leader Leo Zussino and also includes Cr Anne Baker, Mayor of the Isaac Regional Council, Cr Deirdre Comerford, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council and Dr Geoff Dickie, Chair, Queensland Exploration Council.

According to the media statement by Minister Lynham, the review will consider the current use of FIFO across Queensland and make recommendations to Government about the best way forward to address issues with up to 100% FIFO arrangements and ensure “strong and sustainable resource and regional communities.”

The Minister said that consultation will be undertaken with key stakeholders, including industry, local governments and communities across Queensland, adding that the findings of the review will be shared with the Queensland Parliamentary inquiry into FIFO and other long-distance commuting work practices in regional Queensland.

“We are committed to working in partnership with resource communities, local governments and industry to introduce choice for resource sector workers who want to live in the regional communities near to where they work,” he said.

“We want to see vibrant and thriving communities right across our state, whether you live in regional Queensland or our metropolitan centres.”

For more information go to: http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry-development/fly-in-fly-out-fifo-review.html