Caval Ridge Mine was declared a prescribed project on September 17, enabling the Coordinator General to “step in” to become the decision-maker following concerns that proposed changes were being unnecessarily delayed by the local council.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said: “BMA had expressed concern that a number of the conditions imposed by council were inconsistent with conditions previously set by the Coordinator General.

“There were also questions regarding the reasonableness and relevance of some of these conditions.

“I am confident that in making this decision, the Coordinator General has thoroughly reviewed all available information and consulted appropriately with all parties on this challenging matter for the community.”

Seeney said the Coordinator General’s decision allowed for commonsense changes to be made to a development approval for the Buffel Park Workers Accommodation Village.

“After careful consideration of the views of the local council and the company concerned, the Coordinator General has approved the development application by mine owners BMA, allowing for 900 rooms of the 1945-room village to be utilised on a permanent basis, subject to effective and reasonable conditions,” Seeney said.

“It will improve the accommodation options for construction, operational and maintenance workers associated with the $3.7 billion Caval Ridge mine.”

“I strongly encourage the company and the local council to continue to work together to ensure Moranbah is a vibrant, prosperous community that enjoys the economic growth that mining delivers.”

The Buffel Park Workers Accommodation Village has approvals in place to construct 1945 rooms, with 1380 rooms constructed and occupied. The material change-of-use decision by the Coordinator General allows 900 of the previously approved temporary accommodation units to be used on a permanent basis.