Budget boost for mine safety

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the 2007 State Budget backed the state’s booming resources industry with extra funds for safety initiatives.

“The resources boom is a magnet for jobs and job security. By investing in the mining industry, we’re investing in the workers at the coal face. We’re investing in their future,” Mr Wilson said.

The Minister said the 2007 State Budget would inject extra funds of $3 million over four years into important safety initiatives.

“The additional funding will help finalise recommendations from the Review of the Queensland Mines Inspectorate,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the introduction of an Advanced Diploma in Workplace Inspection for safety and health inspectors would strengthen inspection services.

“The new Diploma course will start in 2007-08. It will be open to all mines inspectors and will build on their skills base,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the Mines Inspectorate would continue its unannounced, targeted safety audits at a range of coal and metalliferous mines across Queensland.

“Some of the early findings hang a lantern on serious safety issues which is exactly what they were designed to do. This vital work will continue,” he said.

“Other initiatives include a range of reforms to mining safety and health services, including upgrades to the extensive databases used by the Mines Inspectorate.

The State Government will also continue to manage and rehabilitate abandoned mine sites with $8.2 million set aside over four years.

$1.8 million will be spent this financial year on rehabilitation work at abandoned mine sites at Mount Morgan and Croydon.

“On top of that, a one-off capital allocation of $3 million will be provided in 2007-08 to build a second processing line at a lime-dosing water treatment plant at Mount Morgan.

“These lines help reduce the mine pit water levels and improve water quality in the Dee River.

“At Croydon, funds will be spent on a water treatment program to help improve the water quality downstream of the Federation Mine.

“A study will be undertaken to define further rehabilitation works needed to address any risks relating to soil and groundwater contamination, and surface run-off from abandoned mines at Croydon,” he said.

The Minister said the mine rehabilitation funding came about after strong lobbying from the Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce and the Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan.

“They know that these old mines are a legacy of a past that saw mining companies move in, make their millions and move on. But we cannot turn our back on the past. We must right the wrongs,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819