A day to commemorate miners of the Collinsville coalfields

The coal mining town of Collinsville held a special memorial day today to commemorate the 26 miners who lost their lives on the Collinsville coalfields.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told the mining community that the deaths on the Collinsville coalfields were a sad part of the country's collective history.

“And the history of workers, their struggle and sadly the ultimate sacrifice of workers, should never be forgotten,” Mr Wilson said.

“On this day in 1954, seven miners lost their lives in a mining tragedy that touched the lives of everyone in the community,” he said.

The Collinsville disaster was the worst coal mining accident in Queensland since the 1921 Mount Mulligan disaster and it remained so for 18 years, until the underground explosion at Box Flat in 1972.

“It’s important that we learn from delving into our history, and by holding some parts of it up to the light, we can learn about the intense grief that loss of life brings and reflect on what can happen if we are not vigilant about protecting the safety of our mine workers.

“As new Minster for Mines and Energy, I strongly support the rights of mine workers to a safe working environment.

“On my watch, every effort will be made to ensure the health and safety of mine workers are preserved,” he said.

In a roll call, the Minister read out the names of the 26 miners who lost their lives in mining accidents on the Collinsville coalfields.

“No one knows more than you," he said to the community, "of the tangible, terrible consequences of a mining disaster, because you are mining people and you know what it’s like." 

While in Collinsville, the Minister opened Stage 2 of a memorial to mine workers and coal mining in Queensland.

“Collinsville has never forgotten its past and that’s why the Collinsville and District Retired Miners Lodge ought to be commended for its efforts to preserve its rich and proud mining tradition,” Mr Wilson said.

Media: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819