SUMMITS TACKLE GROWTH IN RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

The Bligh Government today announced summits will be held to examine the current and future impacts of the resources boom on communities in the Surat and Bowen Basins and the North West Minerals Province.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said he would chair summits in Dalby, Dysart and Mt Isa by the end of November.

“In recent years we’ve seen tremendous growth in the base metals, coal industries and now the enormous potential of coal seam gas,” said Mr Lucas.

“The massive investment this brings into rural communities is welcome and the benefits are obvious.

“However there’s a real danger that without full engagement from the local and State Governments, farmers, industry and towns as a whole, we won’t get the real benefits and see sustainable communities.

“The resources boom offers whole new opportunities for rural communities of diversified jobs for families instead of rural drift.

“But we don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water and number of Councils have already spoken to me of concerns about coping with planning and development issues.”

Only last month the Premier announced the historic Sustainable Resource Communities Agreement with the Local Government Association of Queensland and the Queensland Resources Council.

It is backed by a $100 million funding program over 3 years for economic and social infrastructure in regional and rural communities in key mining areas.

“The first meeting of the sustainable resources stakeholders is in Moranbah today, getting down to the business of balancing the resources boom against its impact on communities,” said Mr Lucas

“Before the summits later this year I will also visit resources towns to personally hear from locals how they have been or will be affected by mining.

“I’m keen to sit down with farmers and locals from these rural communities to hear what they think we can do to sustain their environment, economies and lifestyle.”

Media contacts: Matthew Klar – 0437 435223 Chris Bishop – 322 78423