LUCAS LISTENS TO RESOURCE TOWNS

Acting Premier Paul Lucas spent today hearing first hand how communities in the Bowen Basin are being affected by the resources boom.

Mr Lucas visited Moranbah, Dysart and Emerald to talk to locals, before a series of summits in resource communities in November.

“The best way to get a real feel for the issues confronting our resource communities is on the ground and that’s why I’m here today,” Mr Lucas said.

“I wanted to talk to locals about how they are being personally affected by the resources boom and hear their ideas for the future.

“I’ll be back to chair the summit in Dysart in November, along with Dalby and Mt Isa.

“Before then I’ll also be stopping in to talk to communities in the North West Mineral Province and Surat Basin to get a better feel for their issues as well.

“Massive growth in mining for base metals and coal plus the emergence of a potential new coal seam gas industry is producing real social and economic benefits for rural communities.

“If we want to maximise those benefits and ensure sustainable regional communities we must involve local and state governments, farmers, the mining industry and rural people.

“This means improving the way we manage the social consequences of resource development on these communities.”

Mr Lucas said the speed and intensity of the boom had put pressure on the services and infrastructure in towns in the Bowen Basin.

“Some of the issues these communities face are housing shortages and the flow-on effects of high rental prices; and skills shortages, as workers transfer to the lucrative mining and associated construction industries,” Mr Lucas said.

“During my visits I want locals to tell me what they think we can do to sustain their communities’ environment, economies and lifestyle.

“For example, we may be able to improve the flow of information about new mining developments to facilitate better land use and infrastructure planning in regional areas.”

Last month the Bligh Government unveiled $100 million in funding over 3 years for economic and social infrastructure in key mining areas.

“The Sustainable Resource Communities Agreement also aims to improve the information sharing between government, industry and communities,” said Mr Lucas.

“One key feature of the agreement is legislative amendments to require social impact plans for new or expanded resource projects as part of any environmental impact statement.

“These plans would outline the forecast impacts on communities and agreed strategies for mitigating these impacts, including the responsibilities of the respective parties.”

Media contact: Matt Klar 0437 435 223 or Chris Bishop 3227 8425