STATE GOVERNMENT AID FOR COLLINGWOOD PARK RESIDENTS

The Bligh Government would repair or buy Collingwood Park properties damaged by mine-subsidence, Premier Anna Bligh said.

Details of the proposed assistance package for residents at Collingwood Park were outlined by the Premier and Mines Minister Geoff Wilson today.

Premier Bligh reiterated the Government’s commitment to look after residents damaged by mine subsidence.

“Tomorrow, Minister Wilson will be taking a submission to Cabinet that states that any existing house in Collingwood Park damaged by mine subsidence now or in the future will be repaired, or where beyond economic repair bought-out for the lifetime of the property,” Ms Bligh said.

“These ex gratia payments are for the lifetime of the property and will continue to apply, even if the property changes hands.”

The subsidence event occurred at Collingwood Park early on the morning of Saturday 26 April. Inspections by Department of Mines and Energy and Ipswich City Council have identified about twenty homes which appear to be damaged in an area roughly bounded by Duncan, McInnerney and McLaughlin streets as well as Moloney and Fowler Streets.

Ms Bligh said the proposed assistance package included:

• paying for any works necessary to stabilise a property or make it safe;
• repairs of mining subsidence-related damage where it was cost-effective to do so; and
• purchase of any property that was beyond economic repair, or had to be demolished.

She said the State Government will also establish a taskforce with Ipswich City Council to make further recommendations to Cabinet in the next three months on any other support or assistance for the community which will be required to ensure that people living in the area can look forward to building a better future.

Mr Wilson said the Government’s offer would help ease the worry for Collingwood Park residents about the future safety and security of their homes.

In the meantime, the response team will continue to measure the extent and impact of the subsidence in the investigation area, to report back to Cabinet,” he said.

“In the last 10 days, mines department officers have been working hard to gather as much historical and technical information as they can, and will continue to keep residents as up-to-date as possible.”

Mr Wilson said monitoring showed subsidence in the main area has stopped, however it would continue to be monitored for some time yet.

He stressed that while residents in Collingwood Park would be looked after, the Government would no longer be providing assistance where local councils approved future development or structures in areas prone to mine-subsidence.

“This means Ipswich City Council, or any local council across Queensland, must take full responsibility for future development they approve in any potential mine subsidence areas,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson said the State Government had already carried out a number of inspections in the investigation area and engaged a geotechnician to assess the site.

He said alternative accommodation had been provided for residents where necessary, security provided for vacant premises and a One Stop Shop established to offer residents personal support and referrals to other services.

Any residents nearby or in the investigation area with concerns about their properties are able to contact Department of Mines and Energy officers on site or contact 1800 109 122.

The Member for Bundamba, Ms Jo-Ann Miller welcomed the decision.

“Residents need certainty and security and I have been lobbying for action to support residents in anyway we can,” Ms Miller said.

“This has been a tough time and local residents have pulled together. I hope today’s announcement reassures residents that we have not forgotten them and will continue to help where we can to overcome this traumatic event.”

5 May, 2008

Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500