LUCAS TO EMBARK ON PRE-SUMMIT TOUR: LISTENING TO LOCALS

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas will tomorrow embark on a three day trip, visiting rural communities in North West Queensland to see first hand how they are being affected by the resources boom.

Mr Lucas will visit Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Mount Isa before he chairs three summits in Dalby, Dysart and Mount Isa next month.

“The best way to get a feel for the issues being faced by our resource communities is on the ground, listening to locals,” Mr Lucas said.

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

“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 resource communities are sustainable we must involve the local government and community as well as industry representatives.

“This cooperative approach will help us improve 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 North West Queensland towns.

“Some of the issues these communities face include 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.”

In August the Bligh Government unveiled $100 million in funding over three 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,” Mr Lucas said.

“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: Chelsea Toomey – 0408 701 409