Expert panel examines FIFO mines

A panel of resource community and sector leaders will look into the impact of Queensland’s existing 100 per cent Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) mines near regional communities.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said 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.”

The four-person panel is chaired by Gladstone senior business leader Leo Zussino. Mr Zussino is a former chair and chief executive officer of the Gladstone Ports Corporation, chair of the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board and chairman of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

The other members are:

Cr Anne Baker, Mayor of the Isaac Regional Council, the largestmining region in Queensland. She has been in council since 2007 and has lived in Moranbah for 17 years.

Cr Deirdre Comerford, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council. Cr Comerford has served 17 years in local government. Many workers living in the Mackay Regional Council area travel to Central Queensland to work in the mining industry.

Dr Geoff Dickie, Chair, Queensland Exploration Council. Dr Dickiehas more than 40 years’ experience in mining and petroleum in the public and private sector.

 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 per cent FIFO arrangements and ensure strong and sustainable resource and regional communities.

Consultation will be undertaken with key stakeholders, including industry, local governments and communities across 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,” Minister Lynham said.

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

Dr Lynham said the findings of the review would also inform the Queensland Parliamentary inquiry into FIFO and other long-distance commuting work practices in regional Queensland.

More information, including terms of reference, is available at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/FIFOreview

ENDS

6 May, 2015

Eds’ note: Print quality photographs of the panel members are available at http://services.dip.qld.gov.au/opendata/FIFOreview-media-photos/FIFO.zip

Media inquiries: Jan Martin         0439 341 314