Acting Premier Jeff Seeney said the plans were approved by the state’s coordinator-general and developed in consultation with the community and the Queensland government.

“BMA will work with local and regional groups to mitigate potential social impacts and maximise the social benefits of the mine,” Seeney said.

BMA has identified potential impacts and is already underway in implementing a range of measures, including the Moranbah airport upgrade, Seeney said.

“The BMA program has been designed to address social impacts on infrastructure, housing, community and cultural development, health and safety,” he said.

“To ensure there is adequate housing, 160 dwellings will also be developed in Moranbah and approximately 185 houses will be upgraded.”

Seeney said highlights in the plan included $46 million towards the Moranbah airport upgrade; $19.6 million for local infrastructure support for water, road and airport maintenance; $5 million over five years towards affordable accommodation for low income earners not directly employed in the resource industry and up to $5.5 million towards regional youth and community services..

The social impact management plan includes strategies for increased diversity in the Caval Ridge Mine workforce, local buy programs and workforce-community cohesion strategies.

“BMA will closely manage the plan and will undertake an annual review in consultation with stakeholders to take stock of changes and propose amendments as required to reflect current conditions,” Seeney said.