78 residential blocks released for Bowen Basin mining towns

The Queensland Government will create 78 new residential allotments in the BowenBasin mining towns of Blackwater and Dingo, Minister for Natural Resources and Water (NRW) Craig Wallace announced today.

Mr Wallace said the Government had been working closely with Duaringa Shire Council to release state-owned land for residential allotments in the booming mining towns.

Mr Wallace said the moves were designed to help the Central Queensland towns cope with rising populations and demand for residential land.

“We’re working collaboratively with councils to identify priority areas and doing everything we can to make land available for development as quickly as possible,” he said.

Mr Wallace said Departmental staff met council representatives late last month and had agreed to an action plan to release land for development.

“We have worked out a program that will create 73 new residential allotments in Blackwater and five new allotments in Dingo,” Mr Wallace said.

The allotments are located in various areas throughout the towns.

“The additional land will go a long way to meeting the immediate and longer term needs of the two towns.”

Mr Wallace said the Government negotiated with local governments and mining companies when approached with proposals for areas of land required for town expansion.

“Last year, the Government provided 35 residential allotments in Blackwater by public auction.

“Since January 2005, we have offered a total of more than 325 hectares of state land to mining companies, local governments and on the open market in BowenBasin mining towns,” Mr Wallace said.

Media contact: Paul Childs 0407 131 654 or paul.childs@ministerial.qld.gov.au