Published Tuesday, 13 January, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
State Government dispatches team to help Mount Isa Xstrata mine workers
Today Xstrata announced that it will delay its Handlebar Hill zinc development at Mount Isa and cancelled contracts over the operation. The Handlebar Hill operation was to be a $A79 million open cut zinc-lead mine north of Mount Isa.
The State Government has already activated and mobilised the state's new Rapid Response Team in Mount Isa to help find jobs for the State's displaced mine workers.
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said the team, in conjunction with Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan, will be offering support and assistance to workers affected by recent retrenchments in the mining industry.
“The State Government has already been in discussions with Xstrata and the Australian Workers Union and identified that this announcement will affect 89 contracting staff and approximately 60 full time employees.
“While Xstrata has advised that it will be endeavouring to redeploy as may of the employees as possible the State Government is on the ground to provide necessary assistance to Mount Isa workers and their families,” Ms Boyle said.
“There is no doubt that Queensland is feeling the effects of a global economic crisis but I am determined that as a Government we will protect Queenslanders' jobs wherever possible," Ms Boyle said.
Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said it is important for the people of Mount Isa that the Bligh Government’s Rapid Response Team hits the ground running and that means getting these retrenched workers back into the workforce as soon as possible.
"The announcement from Xstrata confirms what we already knew - the global financial crisis is hurting Queensland and not even Mount Isa is immune.
"The Bligh Government’s commitment to keep pressing ahead with the $17 billion capital works plan for 2009 is essential for regions such as Mount Isa.”
In December the Government brought forward $25 million in funds to boost employment in regional areas affected by the mining downturn caused by the global economic crisis.
The accelerated funding, from the Sustainable Resource Communities $100 million support package was originally allocated for the 2009-10 financial year and will be earmarked for regional capital projects that provide maximum employment.
Ms Boyle said the Rapid Response Team is overseen by a tripartite group of government, industry and unions.
"One of the key roles of the team will be to help workers identify their full skill set - to help them explore other opportunities in other industries and get them working again," she said.
"The team has already provided workers with information about available assistance to make the transition to new employment."
The contractors and workers can call the Workers Assistance line on freecall: 1800 035 749 for support.
ends
Media inquiries: Minister’s Office - 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Member for Mount Isa – 0427 152 477
The State Government has already activated and mobilised the state's new Rapid Response Team in Mount Isa to help find jobs for the State's displaced mine workers.
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said the team, in conjunction with Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan, will be offering support and assistance to workers affected by recent retrenchments in the mining industry.
“The State Government has already been in discussions with Xstrata and the Australian Workers Union and identified that this announcement will affect 89 contracting staff and approximately 60 full time employees.
“While Xstrata has advised that it will be endeavouring to redeploy as may of the employees as possible the State Government is on the ground to provide necessary assistance to Mount Isa workers and their families,” Ms Boyle said.
“There is no doubt that Queensland is feeling the effects of a global economic crisis but I am determined that as a Government we will protect Queenslanders' jobs wherever possible," Ms Boyle said.
Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said it is important for the people of Mount Isa that the Bligh Government’s Rapid Response Team hits the ground running and that means getting these retrenched workers back into the workforce as soon as possible.
"The announcement from Xstrata confirms what we already knew - the global financial crisis is hurting Queensland and not even Mount Isa is immune.
"The Bligh Government’s commitment to keep pressing ahead with the $17 billion capital works plan for 2009 is essential for regions such as Mount Isa.”
In December the Government brought forward $25 million in funds to boost employment in regional areas affected by the mining downturn caused by the global economic crisis.
The accelerated funding, from the Sustainable Resource Communities $100 million support package was originally allocated for the 2009-10 financial year and will be earmarked for regional capital projects that provide maximum employment.
Ms Boyle said the Rapid Response Team is overseen by a tripartite group of government, industry and unions.
"One of the key roles of the team will be to help workers identify their full skill set - to help them explore other opportunities in other industries and get them working again," she said.
"The team has already provided workers with information about available assistance to make the transition to new employment."
The contractors and workers can call the Workers Assistance line on freecall: 1800 035 749 for support.
ends
Media inquiries: Minister’s Office - 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Member for Mount Isa – 0427 152 477