Bowen Basin Strategic Issus

As part of the minerals industry′s commitment to maximising their contribution to the communities in which they operate, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) jointly contracted the Institute for Sustainable Regional Development at the Central Queensland University (CQ University) to undertake a program of research to inform Phase One of the Regional Community Development Project.

Focussed on the Bowen Basin region, the aim of the overall project is to assist in developing sustainable communities on a regional scale, thereby increasing the financial return (from government and other sources) that is generated from mining and allied activity into these regional communities.

Phase One of the project, was the completion of an extensive socio-economic characterisation of the area, and an overview of the industry profile in the Bowen Basin, with consideration of economic contributions to the region. This characterisation provides a high-level analysis of the socio-economic issues and challenges facing the region, as it experiences rapid industrial growth associated with the ongoing development of coal reserves, whilst striving toward sustainable development.

To download the Executive Summary of the Strategic Issues Report of Phase One, click here.

With the completion of Phase One, the MCA and QRC are currently considering how best to utilise the findings of the report in consultation with industry. The report findings will inform consideration of possible future stages to progress the Regional Development Project, which may include; the establishment of an engagement/communication process to develop a framework with which to guide a coordinated approach to achieving tangible community benefits, the establishment of a regional community vision/business plan, formalisation of regional community governance structures, investment attraction, and implementation.

The outcomes of Phase One of the project provide a sound basis on which to engage with Government around how to address the gaps identified in the region, not only through possible future stages of the Regional Development Project but also parallel processes occurring at both National and State levels, such as the MCA Vision 2020 Project, and the Queensland Sustainable Resource Communities Partnership Agreement.

It is important to note that the research and drafting of this report was undertaken in the second half of 2008, prior to the Global Financial Crisis. As a result comments made in reference to rapid growth, high demand and ′boom′ cycles may not be applicable in each and every mine and/or community in the Bowen Basin. The findings from the report, however, relate important messages regarding the ongoing development of communities in the Region, which are critical in considering sustainable regional development and community wellbeing in the Basin.

If you have any questions, or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Fuller, MCA Assistant Director Social Policy on 02 6233 0631 or Elizabeth Yeo, QRC Community Development Adviser on 07 3316 2513, who have carriage of this matter.