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DRAFT Social, Cultural and Community Infrastructure Analysis for the towns of Blackwater and Moranbah V8 – 4 April 2011 1/94

Moranbah and Blackwater Social, Cultural and Community Infrastructure Analysis

VOLUME 2 - Full Report May, 2011

Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 2/94

This report has been prepared by:

ABN: 42 164 601 642 PO Box 7754, East Brisbane, 4169 12 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba P: 07 3392 4277 F: 07 3392 4377 www.planc.com.au [email protected]

For:

The Urban Land Development Authority

Queensland Government

DISCLAIMER

This report contains confidential and potentially sensitive information concerning the Urban Land Development Authority. Recipients

shall not duplicate, publish or otherwise disclose the information contained herein to any third party without the prior written consent of the

Urban Land Development Authority.

This report was developed based on the best available information and is subject to the limitations outlined in Section 1.3 Methodology.

This is a Background Planning Report and does not represent endorsed Government Policy.


Contents

1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4 1.1 Blackwater and Moranbah ............................................................................................................... 4 1.2 Project Overview .............................................................................................................................. 5 1.3 Methodology .................................................................................................................................... 5

Methods ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Consultation Approach ........................................................................................................................... 6 Limitations of the Project ....................................................................................................................... 8 Outside of Scope ................................................................................................................................... 10

2.0 Understanding the Communities ................................................................................... 11 2.1 Demographic ‘snapshot’ ................................................................................................................ 11

3.0 Baseline ............................................................................................................................ 14 3.1 Moranbah ....................................................................................................................................... 14 3.2 Blackwater ...................................................................................................................................... 41

4.0 Potential Future Requirement Considerations ............................................................. 65 4.1 Population Forecasts and potential implications ........................................................................... 65

Moranbah ............................................................................................................................................. 65 Blackwater ............................................................................................................................................ 65

5.0 Population and Provision Considerations .................................................................... 67 5.1 Estimated Resident and Non-resident Worker Population ............................................................ 67 5.2 Age Profile ...................................................................................................................................... 67 5.3 Gender Profile ................................................................................................................................ 68 5.4 Historical Population Patterns ....................................................................................................... 70 5.5 Indigenous Population ................................................................................................................... 73 5.6 Income, Voluntary Work and Unpaid Childcare ............................................................................. 73

6.0 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................... 75

7.0 Supporting Information ................................................................................................... 77 7.1 Top 3 Moranbah ............................................................................................................................. 77 7.2 Top 3 Blackwater ............................................................................................................................ 78 7.3 Facility Mapping ............................................................................................................................. 81 7.4 Population categories .................................................................................................................... 86

8.0 References ....................................................................................................................... 87

9.0 Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 90 9.1 Information Sheet .......................................................................................................................... 90 9.2 Information Requests to the Resources Sector .............................................................................. 93


1.0 Introduction

1.1 Moranbah and Blackwater

Blackwater, with an estimated population of 5,420 people in 2009 (OSER, 2010), is located within the

Central Highlands Regional Council area, approximately 200 kilometres west of Rockhampton in Central

Queensland. Moranbah with an estimated population of in 2009 of 8,326 people (OSER, 2010), is located

within the Isaac Regional Council area, approximately 200 kilometres south-west of Mackay.

Blackwater and Moranbah are mining towns surrounded by, and mostly reliant on, the resources sector

for their survival. The ongoing growth in the resources sector and increasing population in and around the

towns, mostly as a result of resources sector employees and families, both permanent and temporary,

creates issues and impacts for service and facility provision and ongoing strategic planning and

development.

On 30 July, 2010, the Queensland Government declared Urban Development Areas within both

Blackwater and Moranbah in which the Urban Land Development Authority will be responsible for

undertaking planning and development assessment.

Location of Moranbah and Blackwater


1.2 Project Overview

To support strategic processes associated with the development of the UDAs, Plan C were engaged to

conduct a social, cultural and community infrastructure analysis of the mining towns of Blackwater and

Moranbah. The purpose of this study was to:

• provide a current social, cultural and community services and facilities baseline; and

• an analysis of current gaps and future needs for Blackwater and Moranbah.

The purpose of the engagement and research was to:

• inform stakeholders of the ULDA’s work in the area to assist stakeholders in their ongoing

facility/services planning;

• identify existing service and facility provision across the towns;

• identify current gaps in service and facility provision across the towns; and

• identify potential future requirements.

This work was carried out through:

• Engagement with stakeholders by visiting Blackwater and Moranbah;

• A review of available social planning and cultural and community services and facility related

reports for the towns; and

• An analysis of current gaps and future needs based on projected population growth.

This report provides the findings of this consultation and research.

1.3 Methodology

To establish a baseline for social, cultural and community infrastructure, the methodology entailed

collecting and analysing primary and secondary quantitative and qualitative data of existing service and

facility provision and comparing the findings against State Government benchmark guidelines (where

possible).

The framework outlined below, forms part of the methodology used in analysing the information sources

and data obtained throughout the process of determining social, cultural and community infrastructure

demands in Blackwater and Moranbah according to the different types of need.

Need Assessment Approaches

Types of need Description Information source

Felt need What people say they

need

Stakeholder and community consultation

Expressed need Actual demand Capacity of existing youth facilities, number of requests

for facilities/services (e.g. youth facility audit)

Normative need Expert analysis of need Investigated through demographic and social trend

analysis

Comparative need Comparable rates of

provision

Comparative assessment of existing rates of supply

against common rates of provision in other similar

communities

Latent need Needs that users are

currently unaware of

Demographic projections, review of public/social policy,

planned growth

Source: Office of Urban Management 2007


Methods

Methods used to establish the social, cultural and community infrastructure baseline involved

triangulation1 of a variety of data and information sources to identify and validate findings to develop the

information baselines for both Moranbah and Blackwater.

Sources and techniques utilised included:

• Identifying and mapping existing social, cultural and community infrastructure (from online

searches, Council and ULDA databases and site visits).

• Stakeholder consultation with a range of service and facility providers including State

Government, Local Government, community sector and private sector service and facility

providers and private enterprise, including the resources sector.

• Demographic and population data from Office of Economic and Statistical Research, Australian

Bureau of Statistics, Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport & Recreation and

independent consultants.

• The social infrastructure benchmarks were informed by the Office of Urban Management

Implementation Guideline No. 5- Social infrastructure planning (2007).

• Secondary data from government and mining company reports.

• A range of published and unpublished (confidential) research papers from the Central

Queensland University and University of Queensland – Centre for Social responsibility in Mining.

• Published journal articles and reports relating to both government and private sector service and

facility provision and demand; and

• Personal communication with experienced social planning experts.

Consultation Approach

The consultation approach involved the use of a number of consultation tools and techniques to engage

stakeholders to inform them of the process and the ULDA’s work in the towns and to seek information to

develop the baseline.

Methods of consultation

Consultation

Tool

Stakeholders

Service

providers

State

Government

Council

Officers

Resources

Sector

Accommodation

providers

Information

Sheet ��

Survey

(online and

hard copy)

��

Information

Request ��

Workshop ��

Interview

(phone and

face-to-face)

��

1 Involves using more than one method to gather data (Denzin 2006) to validate and cross check results (Bogdan &

Biklen 2006)


Information sheet

The information sheet developed for consultation (see Appendix 1) provided stakeholders with a

background understanding of the purpose and nature of the project and information that was being

sought. It also provided stakeholders with a link to the online survey and details on scheduled workshops

and other opportunities to be involved or to seek further information about the project and the ULDA’s

work.

Survey

A survey was developed and distributed both online and in hard copy (where email or internet access was

not known or available) to a range of service providers and facilities within both Blackwater and

Moranbah. The survey, (see Appendix 2), was developed to gather information from service and facility

providers about the nature of the service or facility, current and expected future demand, gaps in existing

service of facility provision and any information on perceived demand directly linked to the resources

sector.

In total, across both towns, out of 86 surveys distributed, 19 surveys were completed. The level of

information provided by respondents varies from very little to comprehensive.

Survey Moranbah Blackwater Total

Hard copy posted 4

14

(+ 8 returned to sender)

18

(+ 8 returned to sender)

Online emailed 27 33 60

Total Distributed 31 47 86

Total completed

(both in part and in full) 8 11 19

Information request

Individual requests for information (see Appendix 3) were issued to resource sector operations located

within the vicinity of both towns. The information requested from the mines included:

• Indicative workforce increases and timelines for potential known expansions,

• Estimates of the number of additional employees who might live within the communities of

Blackwater or Moranbah,

• Indicative numbers of workers camps residents, and

• Indicative location of workers camps.

Although written responses were not directly provided, both BMA and Curraugh mines agreed to

telephone interviews which provided additional information about the townships and the current issues

associated with service and facility provision.

Workshops

Community service provider and Council Officer workshops were carried out in each of the towns. The

workshop discussion and format generally followed the format of the online survey but enabled a more

detailed understanding of the nature of issues within the towns as perceived by service providers and

Council. Workshops also provided an opportunity to audit information gathered so far in the process.

Workshop Attendance Community Service

Providers Council Officers Total

Moranbah 4 3 7

Blackwater 3 8 11

Total 18

Workshop agendas included the following discussion points:

• What are the gaps in services and facilities?


• Expansion Plans - Who is looking at expanding, what additional facilities are needed? Is the

community hub still required in Moranbah?

• Mapping of services and facilities - Are there any facilities which we have missed?

• What are the impacts of the growth in the resource sector (how is it impacting on services – are

they really clogging up services or is it a myth?)

• New resident miners versus mining camp residents.

The workshop format also allowed for some discussion around how issues could be resolved and potential

for partnerships and collaboration.

Interviews

A number of both face-to-face and phone interviews were conducted as part of the stakeholder

consultation process. Again these interviews broadly followed the framework of the survey and

workshops. Depending on the interviewee, questioning and discussion focused on specific areas relevant

to them and their interests. Stakeholders interviewed included:

• Queensland Police Service;

• Queensland Health;

• Curraugh Mines;

• Central Highland Regional Council;

• Ausco Housing;

• BMA; and

• MAC Villages.

Interviewees also reviewed baseline information and data for accuracy.

Limitations of the Project

The gathering and analysis of information to form the baseline was complicated and constrained by a

number of factors.

Lack of available baseline information Prior to the development of this report, there was very little baseline information available on Blackwater

and although existing information for Moranbah exists, it had generally been developed to underpin

specific processes, such as environmental impact assessments associated with mining operations, or

feasibility studies for potential facilities, developed according to varying methodologies, making it difficult

to compare outcomes.

Population estimates and projections Accurate population data is not currently available for the specific townships of Moranbah and

Blackwater. It is understood that numerous studies are underway by the both public and private sectors

which will increase the level of information available in relation to the makeup and number of current and

future populations. Understanding the characteristics of populations and patterns of service and

infrastructure usage is important to understanding demand implications on services and infrastructure,

particularly when the population is known to include significant proportions of what is described as “non-

residents workers” (e.g. FIFO and DIDO) whose usage of, and demand for services and infrastructure can

vary dramatically to that of a permanent resident or full-time equivalent (‘FTE’) community members.

Descriptions of the different population cohorts as provided by the ABS are provided in Section 6.4 of this

report.

Benchmarks and comparisons Even with current and accurate population data, determining the potential community demand for

services and facilities is not as simple as applying a set of population figures, particularly in the case of

mining towns, where accurate information is difficult to source, is complex, and as already discussed,

includes aspects associated with non-resident population and workers.


At the time writing this report, available standardised benchmarking that provides comparative rates for

social infrastructure provision has not yet been revised to address the unique circumstances of mining

towns and to reflect the manner in which the community (including non-resident worker population) use

and/or need local social infrastructure. The urban and regional settlement typologies outlined in the

Office of Urban Management Implementation Guideline No. 5 - Social infrastructure planning, which

allocates specific infrastructure requirements required for each typology, were developed for South East

Queensland in response to the SEQ Regional Plan, not specifically accounting for mining towns, and only

provide a broad guideline for this baseline study. A review of the guidelines is underway and is necessary

to reflect the unique demands and requirements for planning for ‘permanent resident’ and ‘non-resident

worker’ mining town populations.

Some of the complexities associated with developing and understanding the application of comparative

rates or benchmarks include:

• comparative rates of provision in resource communities will need to take into account that the

population may include temporary or transient residents who will not require the same types of

facilities as permanent population;

• reliable population projections are difficult to obtain in communities where new and overlapping

proposals are constantly arising. Planning for social infrastructure according to when a

population reaches a certain level rather than identifying the year in which facilities are to be

provided is particularly important in this scenario. Depending on the rate of population growth,

proposed infrastructure can be accelerated or slowed;

• investment in social infrastructure needs to be commensurate with growth, however there is no

way of fast tracking infrastructure once growth occurs – hence it is important to have plans for

the “extraordinary” scenario, when several major projects occur at once;

• it cannot be assumed that access to public transport will be possible throughout a region.

Alternative approaches such as outreach services, or investment in different transport solutions

(e.g. community bus services) may be needed (Andrea Young, personal communication, 2011).

Currently, service provision is primarily determined by State and Federal Government policies and funding

priorities, which are constantly changing due to changing circumstances and priorities, for example with

the recent flooding, funding may be redirected to address this issue. Moreover, it is very difficult to

quantify community services benchmarks as planning processes and service provision benchmarks are

rarely documented by government departments and planning information is difficult to obtain as they are

largely reactive and non-strategic - services funding appears to be allocated largely in response to the

specific demand requirements of each location.

Usage and demand variations between ‘permanent residents’ and ‘non-worker residents’ The Office for Economic and Statistical Research (OESR) has recently released its Bowen Basin Population

report, 2010 in which it continues to chart the growth of non-resident workers in the Bowen Basin where

the use of non-resident workforces “is now commonplace in mining and gas operations”(OESR,2011:p.v).

The number of non-resident workers continues to increase across the region, which includes the towns of

Blackwater and Moranbah, although no specific township information is provided beyond 2009

population estimates.

Between 2006 and 2010, the number of ‘non-resident workers’ increased by 3,850 to an estimated total

of 14,613. More than two-thirds of Bowen Basin’s non-resident workers stay in the Isaac Regional Council

area, which also contains Moranbah. (OESR:v)

A survey of non-resident workers residing in a work camps in Moranbah conducted by Rolfe et al. (2007)

indicated that on average only 12 per cent of worker camp residents used facilities and services in

Moranbah. Without the available data this could also be assumed for Blackwater.

In further support of the likelihood that service and infrastructure demand differ greatly for non-resident

workers, Rolfe et al (2007) also reported that work camp residents are working age adults, both male and


female. There are no children or non-working age residents within work camps and therefore demand for

child care or aged care services does not arise from non-resident worker population.

In the absence of more detailed information, it was indicated from key service providers and council

officers that the major impacts on services from work camps include increased demand on medical and

emergency services due to increased traffic on local roads and a perception of increasing rates of roads

accidents attributed to increased trips and driver fatigue attributed to longer shifts. Recreational service

providers such as the PCYC also report an increasing demand in the use of their facilities, particularly

fitness facilities such as the pool and gym, by employees of the resources sectors.

In summary, the consideration of information obtained through several sources, including stakeholders,

may indicate that non-resident workers in Blackwater and Moranbah do not place significant additional

high demand on access to facilities and services beyond emergency services, medical treatment and

fitness facilities. Further information is required to confirm this which is outside of the scope of this

baseline report.

Outside of Scope

Housing Investigating the provision and demand for housing within Blackwater and Moranbah was outside the

scope of this project and as such, no detailed findings about housing provision requirements has been

provided.

It must be noted that although not a targeted topic for consultation, issues associated with a critical lack

of housing and accommodation of all types, including low cost, family housing, crisis accommodation and

worker housing was identified by many stakeholders during the process.

In both towns, housing provision (including cost and lack of available housing for all sectors of the

community) was identified by stakeholders as the number one priority issue to be addressed.


2.0 Understanding the Communities

Blackwater and Moranbah are two of the many mining communities located in Central Queensland’s

Bowen Basin which depend heavily on the resources sector and surrounding mining operations to support

their economies. In both Blackwater and Moranbah, the largest employers of the towns workforce is coal

mining; in 2006, 38% and 47% of the workforce, respectively, were employed within this sector (ABS;

2008). This high rate of resources sector employment is no surprise in Moranbah, a purpose-built mining

town constructed in the early 1970’s to accommodate mine employees and their families; and

Blackwater, once a ‘whistle stop’ on a railway line which transformed into a mining town during the

1980’s (Petkova et al; 2009).

The average weekly earnings in the mining sector are higher than in any other Australian industry, and

almost quadruple the weekly earnings in both retail trade and hospitality (ABS; 2008 in Petkova et al;

2009). It was reported by Miles and Kinnear that in 2006, about 1/3 of families in the Bowen Basin region

earned $1,000 and $1,999 per week; whilst 10% earned $500 or less and 5% earned in excess of $3000

per week. This is supported by ABS data. The enormous financial benefits that resources sector

employees (and their families) receive from the current and continued resources boom in an attempt to

attract and retain staff in remote locations can manifest in a number of issues associated with ‘an

increasing divide between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ (Miles & Kinnear;2008).

“With rising international demand for Queensland coal”, it is expected that the industry “will continue to

grow well into the foreseeable future” with some Queensland towns, including Blackwater and Moranbah

which, based on known population projections, are set to experience a continued growth in population

(DLGPSR; 2007). Despite global trends of the recent past which saw a number of projects put on hold,

existing mines in the Bowen Basin have “life expectancies generally exceeding 20 years: this indicates that

coal mining will continue to play a critical role in the social and economic functioning of the Bowen Basin

into the future” (Miles and Kinnear; 2008). The growth associated with incoming workforces and their

families “places pressure on social infrastructure such as housing and community services” (Queensland

Government; 2008).

The resources sector brings many benefits to its communities and towns, and in the case of Blackwater

and Moranbah research carried out in the development of this report reveals essentially self-contained

towns with a plethora of facilities, but the “the focus on physical infrastructure and recreational services

within mining towns left them under-serviced in terms of human services needed to deal with a variety of

issues (CHHSS, 1999 in Petkova et al; 2009:p213).

2.1 Demographic ‘snapshot’

The following section provides an overview of some key demographic findings that help give further

context to the communities of Moranbah and Blackwater.

Age profile

The age profile of Blackwater and Moranbah in 2006 was comparable, as illustrated in below.

• 25 and 44 year old age groups accounted for the highest proportion of the population in both

towns.

• There was a greater proportion of children aged 0 to 14 years and a lesser proportion of people

aged 65 years plus in both Blackwater and Moranbah when compared to the Queensland

average.

• This may indicate that services and facilities specific to the needs of children aged 0 to 14 years

and parents, and adults aged 25 to 44 will need to be considered in Blackwater and Moranbah.


Age profile, Blackwater and Moranbah, 2006 (ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing)

Gender

In 2006, compared to the Queensland average, there were a greater proportion of:

• females in Blackwater and Moranbah aged 0 to 9 and 75 plus, and

• a greater proportion again of males aged 40 years and above .

Services and facilities specific to the needs of females aged 0 to nine years, and males 40 years and above

in Blackwater and Moranbah may need to be considered.

Income disparity

Compared to the Queensland average, in 2006, a greater proportion of the population within both

Blackwater and Moranbah:

• earned less than $150 per week, and

• earned $1,000 or more per week.

There were also lesser percentages of people whose weekly income sat in the middle brackets when

compared to the state average.

This income disparity indicates population groupings of ‘haves’ and ‘have not’s within the community

which can impact on access to services and quality of life as well as other community dynamics.


Weekly Income, Blackwater and Moranbah, 2006

Blackwater Moranbah Queensland

no. % no. % no. %

Negative/Nil income 272 8.54 397 8.55 197,287 7.01

$1-$149 276 8.66 462 9.95 205,719 7.31

$150-$249 182 5.71 234 5.04 415,005 14.74

$250-$399 243 7.63 291 6.27 412,998 14.67

$400-$599 307 9.64 471 10.15 461,288 16.39

$600-$799 209 6.56 266 5.73 353,111 12.55

$800-$999 197 6.18 267 5.75 249,072 8.85

$1,000-$1,299 328 10.30 376 8.10 242,608 8.62

$1,300-$1,599 297 9.32 365 7.86 120,183 4.27

$1,600-$1,999 371 11.64 532 11.46 68,920 2.45

$2,000 or more 504 15.82 981 21.13 88,509 3.14

Total 3,186 100 4,642 100 2,814,700 100

Source: ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing


3.0 Baseline

3.1 Moranbah Australian Bureau of Statistics data published in 2009 indicates that Moranbah’s population increased by

almost 2000 people between 2001 and 2009, a growth rate of 31.37%, significantly higher than the

average Queensland’s growth rate of 21.94% for the same period. The population groups which make up

the largest part of the measured growth were children aged between 0 and 14 and adults aged between

25 and 44.

Given that population projection data for Moranbah is not available, this historical pattern of growth is

useful to understand potential current and future areas of demand for service and facilities within the

community.

The Top 3 priority issues identified by stakeholders to be addressed in Moranbah have been broadly

categorised into the following key areas:

1. Housing

2. Opportunities for more activities, particularly for young people.

3. Community Hub facility to provide accommodation for service providers and to increase

services available.

Health and related Facilities and Services

Facilities

A review of health facilities provided for a town with the population size of Moranbah indicates that the

existing health facilities provided within the town currently meet the identified comparative rates of

provision, as outlined in the table below.

Moranbah FTE population estimate, June 2010

11,442 (OESR,2011)

Projected

Pop. 2031

18,570³

Health Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Current

Gap

Potential

gap at 2031

Regional Hospital -

public

100,000¹

1* 1 Moranbah Hospital

Nil

Number

of beds

unknown

Nil

District

Community

Health

Centre

1:20,000-

30,000 1* 1

Moranbah

Community Health

Centre

(located within

Moranbah Hospital)

Nil

Nil

Private

Medical Doctors

No

standards or

benchmarks

available

N/A 2 Moranbah Medial

and Dr Rollz Surgery

N/A

N/A

District Aged Care 1:20,000- 1* 0 Moranbah Hospital Longer Further

Includes: Hospitals (public and private), General health clinics and centres, Nursing Homes, Alcohol

and drug services, Family planning services, Home and Community Care (HACC) services, Home

nursing services, Hospice services, Immunisation clinics and services, Youth health services, Women’s

health services, HIV/AIDs services, Aboriginal Health Services.



11,442 (OESR,2011)

Projected

Pop. 2031

18,570³

Health Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Current

Gap

Potential

gap at 2031

Service /

Respite

Centre

30,000 provides respite

care (see table

below) but the

hospital does not

contain a respite

centre

term** investigation

required

Source: Implementation Guideline No.5 – Social infrastructure planning; South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005-2026;

Queensland Government Office of Urban Management, Department of Infrastructure; June 2007.

Bowen Basin Population Report, 2011, Office of Economic and Statistical, Research, Queensland Treasury.

¹Queensland Health does not publish benchmarks for planning hospital facilities. The capacity, role and model of care for each site is

based on detailed local planning and needs analysis, but is likely to service a catchment of over 100,000 people.

³Population Projection Moranbah 2031; MRCA report; Macroplan 2011.

* Moranbah is located more than 50Km from the closest District Centre.

** Population is aging but currently only contains a small representation of residents aged 65 years and over.

Services and benchmarks

Moranbah Hospital

Hospital services Inpatient: Medical, Surgical, Respite Care

Specialist Maternity, Psychiatric

Clinics Child Health; General Outpatients: pharmacy, antenatal clinic (every Thursday), Child Health;

General Outpatients; Pharmacy; Antenatal; dressing; physiotherapy; counselling; aged care; Well

Women’s (once per month); Diabetic Education; Wound Management; Well Baby; Immunisation;

Community nursing; Health promotion; Triple P program.

Allied Health

and other

services

Support groups; Health; Education & Screening; Home Visit & Support; Adult, child & youth

mental health; Speech Pathology; Counselling; Radiographer/Sonographer; Centre for community

and child health, social work, a child protection liaison officer, school based youth health, alcohol,

tobacco and other drug counselling, speech pathology and a community mental health service.

Mobile oral health van.

HACC Meals on Wheels, Home Medical Aids, Home Help, Day Respite, In Home Respite

Other Aged

Services

Hinterland Community Services

Visiting Services Flying Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Flying Surgeon, Psychiatrist, Drug and Alcohol services, Mobile

Breast Screening Van, Occupational therapist, mobile Oral Health Van, School Based Youth Health

Nurse, Physiotherapist (2 days per week). Queensland Health report that most health services are

located outside of Moranbah and service the town. Because there is a high level of private health

cover in the community, most of the community travels to Mackay for specialist services.

Worker

accommodation

Accommodation provided on site for nurses and allied health workers. Quantity unknown.

Current

vacancies

Social worker position is currently vacant

Recent

development

and future

Planning

Queensland Health acknowledges that there may be a need for more community health and

allied health services to support the hospital but are not experiencing or expecting a high

demand for additional hospital facilities. Moranbah may potentially become a ‘hub site’ in the

future which will provide low to moderately complex in patients – that is not for at least 10 years

down the track.

DSS/Benchmarks Following extensive enquiry with QLD Health, no service benchmarks/FTE positions per 1000

people could be ascertained. The capacity, role and model of care for each site is based on

detailed local planning and needs analysis undertaken by QLD health. 100 beds per 20,000

persons²

²Bowen Abbot Point Accommodation and Community Infrastructure Study

Moranbah Medical (General Practice)


Moranbah Medical indicated they are a district level service currently running at full capacity and unable

to service the current population demands for private health services. There has been a significant

increase to demand on services due to increased population, including demand for services from non-

residents workers from local mining camps.

Services General Family Medicine, 7 days a week. Approximately 500 patients. Provide Moranbah

Hospital with doctors. Immunisation clinics and services, family planning, women’s health

services

Employees 5 doctors (3 Full time, 2 Part time), 2 private physiotherapists, one optometrist, speech

pathologist, dentists , 2 pharmacists, one massage therapist

Worker

accommodation

Owns and provides accommodation in town as an incentive for Doctors to come and work in

the community.

Current

vacancies/staff

issues

Doctor leaving in April 2011. As yet position not filled. Moranbah Medical have been

advertising for past 18 months to fill the position. Many partners of mine workers are nurses

or allied health professionals which works well in terms of getting medical positions with the

community

Recent

developments

and future

Planning

Queensland Health has given Moranbah Medical a grant to expand its services.

A recent investment by 2 partners and an injection by the Federal Government funding under

Regional Partnerships has meant the physical facilities have been significantly increased.

Hospital admissions are lower per 1000 people in Moranbah that the state average.

Benchmarks Moranbah Medical is privately owned and operated and were unable to provide benchmarks

Dr Rollz Office (General Practice) Dr Rollz is a GP in Moranbah with one additional doctor

Other Health Service Providers

Apart from the major health facilities and services listed above are the following identified below. It

should be noted that there may be other services and providers who have not responded to a survey for

this project.

Service providers indicated that there is lack of office space and that visiting health and community

service professionals have difficulty finding suitable premises. A lack of appropriate accommodation to

provide clinics or one-to-one consultations with health providers and high competition for office space

required by health service providers was also reported. Details on the location of the services are

contained in the stakeholder database (where known).

Gaps and future challenges identified in health and related services and

facilities

Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers

Alcohol and drug services Drugarm, Radio 4RFM

Home and Community Care (HACC)

services

Mackay Community Visitor Assoc., Radio 4RFM

Home nursing services None yet determined

Hospice Services Moranbah Hospital

Specialist clinics and services Antenatal Classes, Autism Spectrum Disorder Coalfields Support Group, Central

Highlands Dental Surgery, Gryhan Psychology, Cancer Support Group, Moranbah

Diabetic Group, Australian Breast Feeding Association, Moranbah Mental Health

Youth health services Moranbah Mental Health

HIV/AIDS services Nil

Aboriginal health services Nil

Aerial ambulance services Moranbah Hospital


Health

Facilities

and Services

Gaps and Challenges Implications

Moranbah

Hospital

Hospital admissions are lower per 1000 people in Moranbah

than the Queensland State average, 79/1000 compared to

119/1000, respectively. (CSRM; 2010). Queensland Health

acknowledges that there may be a need for more

community health and allied health services to support the

hospital but are not experiencing or expecting a high

demand for additional hospital facilities (physical space).

Moranbah may potentially become a ‘hub site’ in the future

which will provide for low to moderately complex in patients

– that is not for at least 10 years into the future.

Hospital has no maternity ward (currently need to go to

Mackay to have a baby which costs between $1000-1500 /

week for holiday accommodation while waiting to have a

baby. Informant advised that the maternity ward was cut

because of a lack of midwives in town. The hospital provides

transport to mothers back to Moranbah hospital

immediately after giving birth.

• No additional land for hospital

expansion anticipated at this stage.

• Queensland Health investigating ‘hub

site’ from 2020 which may have

implications for land use planning

• Hospital staffing and services are

responsibility of Queensland Health

• Accommodation and locational

challenges affect the ability of

Queensland Health to attract medical

staff to Moranbah

Moranbah

Medical /

lack of other

private

health

services

Although the Moranbah community is anecdotally reported

to have a high level of private health cover, accessing private

doctors within the town can be difficult due to demand

which will increase as population increases. Current service

providers are not able to respond to increased demand.

Anecdotally there is a lack of private doctors available within

Moranbah. Moranbah Medical reports that it will lose 1 GP

in April and have been unsuccessful in recruiting for the

position over the last 18 month.

Stakeholder survey responses indicate that current services

are unable to meet increasing needs generated by the

growth in population and economic activity.

There is currently no diabetic educator, dietician, podiatrist,

public dentist, natural therapist, maternity services or

orthodontist available within the town and visiting

specialists are limited.

There is reported difficulty in attracting qualified

professional staff due to rural location and sub-standard

facilities.

• Private medical infrastructure recently

expanded (through state and federal

grants). No current requirements for

additional space.

• As population increases, an

expectation that facilities may expand.

This should be monitored over time.

• As a private clinic Moranbah medical

will employ a range of strategies to

attract and retain staff.

• Potential partnerships in the

development of quality

accommodation between Moranbah

Medical and the ULDA to assist in

attracting key staff.

• Investigate market interest in the

development of commercial space for

the delivery of private health services.

• Queensland Health is aware of the

potential need for additional allied

health services in the region and has

recently embarked on a strategic

planning project to review services

demand in Queensland mining towns.

Other

Health

Service

Providers

Service providers indicated that there is lack of office space

for service providers and that visiting health and community

service professionals have difficulty finding suitable

premises.

Workshop findings confirm that there are many community

based services that are funded by the government to service

• Potential development of a health

services hub with overnight

accommodation. Council has indicated

a preference to develop a facility of this

nature on the Hospital site to avoid


Health

Facilities

and Services


the Moranbah region (i.e. Lifeline, Relationships Australia,

Community Solutions, Mackay DV service, Drugarm)

however facilities are not available for them in town,

therefore the region misses out on the services provided by

these organisations.

A lack of appropriate accommodation to provide clinics or

one-to-one consultations with health providers was also

reported.

There is high competition for office space required by health

service providers

The expense associated with renting overnight

accommodation for visiting health service providers can be

prohibitive.

There is a need for intensive family support services

including prevention and early intervention for

children and families at risk

People find it difficult to find where the services are

located as they are disjointed.

Shift work/equal time rosters/ itinerant lifestyle can

cause physical, mental and social health impacts

including increasing incidents of depression,

relationship breakdown, social isolation, substance

abuse and violence.

maintenance costs.

• Further detailed scoping of the need

for and nature of this facility needs to

be undertaken in partnership with

service providers, QLD health and Isaac

Regional Council.

• The development of a combined

service and accommodation centre

could include commercial aspects as a

potential development model.

Consideration should also be given to

market interest from private health

providers in this facility.

Sources:

• Petkova-Timmer, V., Lockie, S., Rolfe, J. 2009. The Impact of Coal Mining Expansion on Moranbah and the

Associated Community (The Development of Moranbah: Stakeholder Analysis. Accessed March 8, 2011.

• Coalfields Community Services Hub Proposal. 2007. Moranbah District Support Services on behalf of the

Regional Community Hub Steering Committee. Accessed March 8, 2007.

• Pacific Southwest Strategy Group. 2009. Regional Community Services Hub Feasibility Study (for Moranbah

and District Support Services). Accessed March 8, 2011

• Caval Ridge Coal Mine Project – Environmental Impact Statement (Social Impact Assessment); BHP Billiton

Mitsubishi Alliance; N.D

• Petkova, Vanessa., Lockie, Stewart., Rolfe, John., Vanova, Galina. 2009. “Mining Developments and Social

Impacts on Communities: Bowen Basin Case Studies” Rural Society 19 (3): 211-228. Accessed March 8,

2011.

• Report of a Social Facilities Infrastructure Audit of the Mackay Whitsunday Region. A publication of the

Social Sector Reference Group of the Whitsunday Hinterland and Mackay (WHAM) Regional Plan,

September 2008

• BMA Baseline Socio-Economic Assessment Indicator Framework, revised December 2010, Centre for Social

Responsibility in Mining (CSRM), The University of Queensland, Australia.

• Bowen Basin Population Report, 2011, Office of Economic and Statistical, Research, Queensland Treasury.

• Moranbah Retail and Commercial Assessment, MacroPlan Pty Ltd, March 2011

• Implementation Guideline No.5 – Social infrastructure planning; South East Queensland Regional Plan

2005-2026; Queensland Government Office of Urban Management, Department of Infrastructure; June

2007.

• Bowen Abbot Point Accommodation and Community Infrastructure Study, SGS Economics and Planning,

2011


Family Support Facilities and Services

Facilities

Based on an application of the comparative rate of provision it can be seen that Moranbah is lacking in

childcare services by at least one centre, the average size being 70 places. However, the number of spaces

provided at the Blue Ribbon Child Care centre is unknown and the waiting list described for one centre

was 60 places which suggest that there is a potential lack of provision greater than that indicated by a

simple application of the rates. When population projections are included in the equation, the lack of

childcare facilities is predicted to increase the facility gap to at least three centres by 2031. A study into

childcare demand was commissioned by BMA and was not able to be accessed at the time of this study.

This study should provide updated information of childcare provision in Moranbah.


11,442 (OESR,2011)

Projected

Pop. 2031

18,570³

Family Support

Facilities

Comparativ

e rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps

Potential

gap at

2031

Local Child care

centre

1:500-700

children

(0-4 yrs)

or

4 (potentially

based on high

proportion 0-

4yr olds in

population

profile)

or

3

Altitude Kids Child

Care Centre,

Simply Sunshine

Childcare,

Blue Ribbon Family

Day Care

1 3

(based on

high

proportion

of 0-4yr

olds in

population)

1:4,000-

8,000

people

3

Local

Kindergart

en /

Preschool

1:16,000 1 2

Moranbah

Kindergarten,

Moranbah Preschool

Nil Nil

Local

After

school

care

N/A N/A 1

Moranbah PCYC

(currently runs out of

Moranbah SS)

N/A N/A





Includes: Counselling services, Disability services, Child care centres and services (incl. family day

care and after school care), Child protection services, Domestic violence services (incl. shelters),

Income support services (incl. social security, emergency relief), Homemaker services, Meals services

(incl. meals on wheels), Youth services, Aged people’s services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island

services, Migrant and refugee services, Women’s services, Children’s services.



Simply Sunshine Childcare

Ownership Community based

Places offered Currently offer 70 places at $40/day

Waiting list Currently have 60 people on waiting list, mainly for 0-2 year olds

Staffing Staffing is an ongoing issue because of low pay rates in child care. BMA fund one trainee position.

Benchmark/DSS Service benchmarks/FTE positions per number of children unknown

Altitude Kids Childcare

Ownership Privately owned

Places offered Currently offer over 70 places at $82/day (incl. food)

Waiting list Currently have a waiting list, number unknown

Benchmark/DSS Service benchmarks/FTE positions per number of children unknown

Blue Ribbon Family Day Care is also reported to be a registered childcare provider that provides a day

long service.

Ownership Privately owned

Places offered Unknown

Waiting list Unknown

Moranbah PCYC after school care


Places offered Approximately 60 children


DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks/FTE positions per number of children unknown.

Other Family Support Service Providers

In addition to the above childcare facilities, Moranbah has a host of local and regional providers of family

support services servicing its community. Many of these are listed in the following table. It should be

noted that there may be other services and providers who have not responded to a survey for this

project.

Service providers indicate a growing demand for service provision in counselling and support services,

aged care services, disability services and support staff, in addition to childcare which is seen as the main

deficiency in relation to family support services in the town. Stakeholder consultation and research in

relation to family support services again highlights growing issues with the availability of office space,

difficulty in attracting qualified staff as well as the provision of services specific to the culturally diverse.

Details on the location of the services are contained in the stakeholder database (where known).


Counseling services Moranbah & District Support Services, Centacare, Moranbah Medical Centre,

Relationship Australia

Disability services Pioneer Employment Services, Mackay Community Visitors Assoc., Radio 4RFM,

Moranbah Medical Centre

Child care centres and services

(including family day care and

after school care)

Best Beginnings Parent Group, Mini Miners Playgroup, Moranbah Playgroup, Positive

Parenting Program

Child protection services Moranbah Hospital

Domestic violence services Moranbah & District Support Services, Emergency and Long Term Accommodation,



(including shelters) Domestic Violence Resource Centre

Income support services

(including social security,

emergency relief)

Emergency and Long Term Accommodation Inc (ELAM)

Homemaker services

Meals services (including meals

on wheels) Hinterland Community Care, Moranbah Hospital

Youth services

Moranbah Youth Service Group, Moranbah Youth Centre, Emergency and Long Term

Accommodation Inc. (ELAM), MCVA, Radio 4RFM, Moranbah High School, Moranbah

Primary School, Isaac Regional Council

Aged people's services Hinterland Community Care, MCVA, Radio 4RFM, Moranbah Medical Centre, Isaac

Regional Council

Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander services Isaac Regional Council

Migrant and refugee services

Women's services Radio 4RFM, Moranbah Medical Centre, Isaac Regional Council

Children's services Mothergoose Reading Time, Isaac Regional Council

Gaps and future challenges identified for family support services

Family Support

Services Gaps and Challenges Implications

Childcare Services Two of the identified childcare providers located

within Moranbah are full with waiting lists. Simply

Sunshine childcare currently has 60 people on

waiting list for 0-2yrs olds.

Stakeholders indicate that the cost of day care at

up to a reported $82/day makes it difficult for

many families to afford it.

Anecdotally there is also a lack of availability of

before and after school care with the PCYC

providing the only identified after day care, run out

of the Moranbah State School.

In 2006, 82% of parents in Moranbah undertook

unpaid childcare compared to the Queensland

average of 71%. (ABS 2006 Census of Population

and Housing)

Based on projected population growth, the strain

on childcare facilities will continue, increasing the

gap in facility provision to at least 3 centres by

2031.

• Additional childcare facilities need to be

provided within Moranbah.

• Services planning should investigate the

need for after school care and the

potential to integrate this service.

• BMA has commissioned a needs analysis

to inform the allocation of $2m allocate

for childcare infrastructure in Moranbah

(not accessed at present).

• For a 75-place childcare centre, indicative

minimum space requirements include:

- 3.25m² of indoor play space and 7m²

of outdoor place space for each

child.

- Additional requirements include

areas for food and bottle

preparation, a laundry, cleaners and

administration facilities.

(Implementation Guideline No.5 – Social

infrastructure planning; South East Queensland

Regional Plan 2005-2026; Queensland

Government Office of Urban Management,

Department of Infrastructure; June 2007)

• Department of Education and Training is

providing $3.6 million in funding to

expand child care services in Bowen Basin


Family Support


mining communities including Moranbah.

Accommodation

for family support

service providers

Service providers including Moranbah District

Support Services (MDSS), Pioneer Disability

Services and Hinterland Community Care Service

report a lack of available office space.

Large amounts of program budgets are being spent

to cover the high cost of over-night

accommodation for visiting professionals and many

no-for-profit organisations are unable to find

premises or pay high office rents.

Stakeholders also reported a lack of premises to

conduct meetings and community activities.

• Potential development of a community

hub within Moranbah to provide office

and related accommodation for family

support service providers.

• The development of a combined service

and accommodation centre could include

commercial aspects as a potential

development model.

• Potential to incorporate community

meeting places for community activities.

• Potential partnerships in the development

of quality accommodation between

Moranbah Medical and the ULDA to assist

in attracting key staff.

Other family

support services

Service providers report that current services are

unable to meet identified needs generated by the

growth in population and economic activity.

Existing community and social services are

currently at capacity or are experiencing significant

pressures. Moranbah’s identification as the major

service centre following the recent council

amalgamations is expected to have an impact on

service provision.

Difficulty in attracting qualified professional staff

due to rural location and sub-standard facilities is

creating staff shortages for service providers.

Service providers and other stakeholders identified

a need for:

- Aged care and community care services

for older community members and those

with special needs.

- Counselling services including

relationship counseling, drug and alcohol

abuse counseling and services specifically

for men.

- Domestic violence support services

(including Women’s shelter) and

intensive family support services

including prevention and early

intervention for children and families at

risk.

- Disability services, including respite

facilities for people with disabilities; and

care for parents with young people with

• Queensland Health is investigating ‘hub

site’ from 2020 which may have

implications for land use planning.

Indicative minimum site requirements –

floor area 2000-400m² and site area of up

to 1.6ha. Adequate land may already exist

on the hospital site.


potential need for additional allied health

services in the region and has recently

embarked on a strategic planning project

to review services demand in Queensland

mining towns.

• Potential development of a community

hub within Moranbah to provide

opportunity to attract allied health service

providers to address the identified gaps in

family support service delivery.

• Public transport options should be

addressed and integrated where possible

within the UDA’s and beyond.


Family Support


disabilities

- Support services and activities for young

people, rural women, their children and

families

- Services and facilities to suit the

increasingly culturally diverse community

Stakeholders identified the need for a community

hub facility to provide accommodation for service

providers as one of the top three priority issues to

be addressed in Moranbah.

Service providers also report significant challenges

associated with a lack of public transport and

service delivery to small and distant towns

requiring more vehicles, travel costs and time.

Youth centre Need for a Youth centre (1000m2) and Day services

for people with a disability (1000m2) (Note: these

findings are the result of a desk top analysis and

can be indicative only)

• Funding granted by State Government to

build the Moranbah Youth Centre.

Estimated Cost $3M

Sources:

• Petkova-Timmer, V., Lockie, S., Rolfe, J. 2009. The Impact of Coal Mining Expansion on Moranbah and the Associated

Community (The Development of Moranbah: Stakeholder Analysis. Accessed March 8, 2011.

• Pacific Southwest Strategy Group. 2009. Regional Community Services Hub Feasibility Study (for Moranbah and District

Support Services). Accessed March 8, 2011

• Coalfields Community Services Hub Proposal. 2007. Moranbah District Support Services on behalf of the Regional

Community Hub Steering Committee. Accessed March 8, 2007.

• Moranbah Community Projects on Regional Development Register (Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Regional Development

Register) August 2010

• BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance: Caval Ridge Coal Mine Project – Environmental Impact Statement (Social Impact

Assessment),N.D.

• A publication of the Social Sector Reference Group of the Whitsunday Hinterland and Mackay (WHAM) Regional Plan,

September 2008

• 2010-11 Queensland State Budget - Service Delivery Statements - Department of Education and Training,

• http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/2010-11/bp5-part-16-2010-11.pdf accessed 11 March 2011

• Implementation Guideline No.5 – Social infrastructure planning; South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005-2026;





Community Development Facilities and Services

Facilities

Moranbah currently meets the indicative provision requirement for a local level community centre but is

under the rate of provision for community meeting rooms within only two currently identified within the

town. Given Moranbah is in excess of 50km from the nearest district centre, it is reasonable to argue that

Moranbah should be supplied within its own Neighbourhood Centre and Youth Centre facility, although

identified separately, there is potential for these facilities to be combined.


11,442 (OESR,2011)

Projected

Pop. 2031

18,570³

Community

Development Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps

Potential

gap at

2031

Local Community

meeting room 1,2500-3,000 3-4

3 (+

meeting

rooms

available at

sports clubs

4)

QCWA, Salvation Army

Community Services

Centre all the sporting

associations have

rooms available for

meetings and venue

(rugby club, AFL club,

rotary club, golf club

etc)

Nil

3

Local

Multi-purpose

Community

Centre

1:6,000-

10,000 1 1

Moranbah Community

Centre

Nil 1

District Neighborhood

Centre

1:20,000-

30,000 1* 0 1 Nil

District Youth

Centre/service

1:20,000-

50,000 1* 0

Funding currently

allocated from

Department of

communities for the

development of a

youth centre

1 1






Moranbah Community Centre

Ownership Isaac Regional Council

Venue

Capacity

Room 1 = 500-600 (theatre style)

Room 2 = 200 (theatre style)

Chapel = 100

DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks/FTE positions could not be identified.

No additional information beyond hall provision was obtained for the QCWA Hall and the Salvation Army

Community Services centre.

Includes: Community and neighbourhood centres, Community services and support centres,

Community development workers, Youth development workers, Community halls and meeting

places, Advocacy services, Coordination and information services, Employment services.



Moranbah District Support Association is a district support service that provides numerous

community development services to the district catchment.

Services Information, Referral, Advocacy, Co-ordinate Women in Business Breakfasts, Welcome to

Moranbah Morning Teas, Welcome to Moranbah packs, run events related to International

Women's Day, Domestic Violence month, Child Protection Week, Youth Week etc.

Counselling to children, young people and families

Group work programs for families.

Employees 5 staff members

Tenure Operating on a month-to-month lease

Current

vacancies/staff

issues

It has reported significant growth in demand for services but is adequately servicing the

current population.

As demand increases extra staff may be needed, attracting and retaining staff is an issue

however, largely due to lack of affordable housing options.

Benchmarks Not available

ELAM Inc. focuses on accommodation service it provides other community development services.

Services Youth worker program, information and referral services and facilitates the Moranbah Youth

Action Group

Employees Unknown

Staffing and

demand issues

Full-time youth worker and currently considering employing a trainee youth worker


Rock FM Inc. provides a local community radio station and a number of associated community

development and promotion services to the Moranbah community.

Services Through its local radio station and community development services it provides support and

assistance to most community based organisations, government departments, sporting groups

and general community organisations. The service also extends to the promotion of

community events and services provided by mining companies.

Employees Unknown

Staffing and

demand issues

It has reported significant growth in demand for services but is adequately servicing the

current population


Pioneer Employment Services provides services to the sub-regional catchment

Services Community development and employment services (including disability services)

Employees 3 employees

Clients 15 clients

Accommodation Currently renting a room at the Moranbah Hospital

Staffing and

demand issues

Adequately meeting the service demands of the current population however

indicate a general lack of service and support for the disabled.




In addition to the above services, the following services cater to the Moranbah community. It should be


project. Details on the location of the services are contained in the stakeholder database (where known).

Type of Service Service Providers

Community and neighbourhood centres Moranbah Community Centre, Lifeline Community Care, Queensland

Country Women’s Association, IRC

Community services support centres Moranbah Community Centre, Salvation Army Community Services Centre,

Radio 4RFM

Community development workers Radio 4RFM, IRC

Youth development workers ELAM Inc.

Community halls and meeting places QCWA, Salvation Army Community Centre

Advocacy services Moranbah District Support Services

Coordination and information services Radio 4RFM, Moranbah & District Support Services, IRC

Employment services Pioneer Employment Services, Radio 4RFM

Gaps and future challenges identified for community development

services and facilities

The main issue with the provision of community development facilities and services within in Moranbah is

reportedly the lack of facilities to provide stable accommodation for service providers. Community

development service providers who responded to the survey have reported an increase in demand for

services within the district, but are generally meeting the current population demand. There is reportedly

a need for a youth worker to service Moranbah beyond that which is already provided by existing

services.

Pioneer Employment Service who specialise in placing people with disabilities identified that it is hard to

find both employment and training opportunities for their clients within the district.

Community

Development

Facilities and

Services


Youth Centre/

Neighbourhood

Centre

Identified need for a Youth Facility and youth

worker for youth and youth related activities and

services which are well linked to schools and

provide a wide range of activities for young

people, including young people with disabilities.

Pioneer Employment Services report that it is

difficult to find employment for young people

with disability or alterative programs and that

there is currently no support workers for youth at

risk of suicide.

Stakeholders identified the need for youth

services, activities and facilities as the second

highest priority issue to be addressed within

Moranbah. (Issues associated with housing were

the number one priority identified by

stakeholders).

ABS data indicates a continuing growth pattern in

• Identified need for the development

of a facility to respond to demands for

a Youth Centre and/ or Neighborhood

Centre to improve delivery of a

number of youth and disability related

services within Moranbah.

• $3m funding currently allocated to

Council to develop this facility.

Indicative spatial requirements for this

type of facility vary significantly from

facility to facility but as a starting

point are provided at:

Youth Centre:

- 600-1000m² (min. site area District

level)

- Large enough for recreational space

(5,000-10,000m²) or adjoining open

space


Community

Development

Facilities and

Services


the population aged 0-9 years and 20- 39 years

between 2004 and 2009.

Providers suggest that the facility needs to employ

need a youth worker to ensure that the facility is

promotes and provides kids with place to ‘hang

out without alcohol’.

- Local facilities can be small as a

house (e.g. 200m² on a small site)

- Office space or shop fronts are other

models

Neighborhood Centre (local level):

- 600-800m²GFA (hall-400m²)

- 5,000m² site area (hall-2,000m²)

Source: Implementation Guideline No.5 –

Social infrastructure planning; South East

Queensland Regional Plan 2005-2026;

Queensland Government Office of Urban

Management, Department of Infrastructure;

June 2007.

Service Providers

Workshop findings call for the development of a

community hub facility to house community

services and make available rooms for visiting

services from Mackay, Rockhampton and other

areas that are funded to service our area.

• Potential to combine community

development services within the

development of a health services hub

with overnight accommodation.

Council has indicated a preference to

develop a facility of this nature on the

Hospital site to avoid maintenance

costs. (see implications for Health

related services and facilities)

Sources:



• Pacific Southwest Strategy Group. 2009. Regional Community Services Hub Feasibility Study (for Moranbah and District

Support Services). Accessed March 8, 2011



• Moranbah Community Projects on Regional Development Register (Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Regional Development



Assessment),N.D.

• A publication of the Social Sector Reference Group of the Whitsunday Hinterland and Mackay (WHAM) Regional Plan,

September 2008


http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/2010-11/bp5-part-16-2010-11.pdf accessed 11 March 2011






Education Facilities and Services

Facilities

The general consensus and evidence is that existing school education facilities and services within

Moranbah are adequately meeting the needs of the community and are potentially adequate to cope

with increasing population pressure at this stage. Over the next twenty years, based on projected

population growth, an additional primary school facility may be required to service the community.


11,442 (OESR,2011)

Projected

Pop. 2031

18,570³

Education Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps

Potential

gap at

2031

Local Primary

School

1:7,500

(greenfield) 2 2

Moranbah East Primary

School, Moranbah State

School

Nil 1

District High

School

1:20,000

(greenfield) 1* 1

Moranbah State High

School

Nil Nil

District TAFE

campus

1:over

50,000 1* 1

Moranbah TAFE (Big Blue

Shed) Not a full TAFE

facility

Further

investiga

tion

required

Further

investigatio

n required

Adult

education N/A N/A 1

Advantage Business

College

N/A N/A






Moranbah State School

Primary School Prep though to Year 7

Number of

students

475 students current

517 students (2009)

Employees 43 teaching staff (36 FTE) (2009), 50 employees total (current)

Capacity Current easily services the current population - 86% capacity (2009)

DSS/Benchmarks

School Years Identified Student to

teacher ratio targets

Current provision Gaps

Prep, Years 1-3, 25 students/teacher 23 students/teacher Nil

Years 4-7 28 students/teacher 26 students/teacher Nil

Sources: Department of Education and Training Teachers, Certified Agreement 2010. Accessed March 8,

2010. http://www.qtu.asn.au/det_teachers_ca2010.pdf

http://moranbahss.eq.edu.au/school-reports/annual.pdf 2009

Includes: Preschools, Primary schools, High schools, Technical and Further Education facilities (and

private vocational training facilities and services, Universities, Distance education programs (adult

education, education centres).


Moranbah East State School


Number of

students

548 students (2009)

Employees 47 teaching staff (41 FTE), 68 employees in total (2009)

Capacity Currently easily services the current population - 84% capacity (2009)

DSS/Benchmarks






Sources:

Department of Education and Training Teachers, Certified Agreement 2010. Accessed March 8, 2010.

http://www.qtu.asn.au/det_teachers_ca2010.pdf

http://moranbaess.eq.edu.au/school-report/annual.pdf 2009

Moranbah State High School

Primary School Year 8 to Year 12

Number of

students

476 students (2009)

Employees 48 teaching staff (44 FTE), 75 employees in total (2009)


DSS/Benchmarks

School Years Identified Student to teacher

ratio targets


Year 8 -10, 28 students/teacher 20 students/teacher Nil

Year 11 & 12 25 students/teacher 15 students/teacher Nil

Sources:



http://moranbahshs.eq.edu.au/school-reports/annual.pdf 2009

Advantage Business College

Service Adult and community education

Number of

students

Approximately 200 clients

Employees Unknown

Capacity Unable to service demand

DSS/Benchmarks No existing benchmarks identified.


Local service providers have indicated that there is a lack in broader community education programs

including parenting programs, short recreational courses, personal development courses and courses to

suit those with a disability. This was confirmed by Advantage Business College who report that they are

unable to service the current population demands and are in need of more trainers and assessors to allow

them to provide more courses.

Learning Network Queensland (TAFE)

Service A business unit of Brisbane North Institute of TAFE operates out of Moranbah High

School. Provides computers and other information technology resources to ensure

access and equity for rural and remote students, and to deliver and/or facilitate

accredited and short courses for business, industry and community members; eg, back

to work programs, computers for beginners.


Employees Unknown as issues with recruiting and retaining coordinators, presenters and teachers

in rural areas



Pioneer Employment Services

Service Offers skillshare programs and community education

Employees 3 employees, 15 clients

Capacity Adequately services demand


Other Education Service Providers





Universities Moranbah Medical Centre offers placement programs

Distance education support

centres Learning Network Australia

Skillshare projects Pioneer Employment Services

Community education programs

(adult education, education

centres)

Pioneer Employment Services, Advantage Business College, Radio 4RFM, Big Blue

Shed

Gaps and future challenges identified for education services and facilities

Education

Facilities and

Services


Adult and

community

education

Need for additional training and programs

such as:

- parenting programs,

- educational programs that enhance

educational, psychosocial and

psychological needs,

- short recreational courses,

- school to work transition,

- back to work programs and

- courses to address skill shortages

Advantage Business College reports that it

unable to service the current population

demands and is in need of more trainers and

assessors.

Moranbah Combined Schools Local

Chaplaincy Service reports that there is a

lack of primary and high school programs

and their service is unable to meet the

current demand.

• Land use development and new community

facility planning should consider the need for

provision of space to cater for adult and

community education providers. This could

potentially help with attracting providers to

the town.


Education

Facilities and

Services


Pioneer Employment Service identified a gap

in education services for people with

disabilities. Once they leave school there is a

lack of provision in opportunities for further

education; closest TAFE facilities is emerald;

“if you don’t do sport there is not much to

do”; “adults who don’t drink get put in with

oldies”.

Future Primary

School Facility

Based on projected population growth, an

additional primary school facility may be

needed to adequately service the growing

Moranbah population towards 2031.

• Consider the necessity for the provision of

an additional primary school facility to

service the growing Moranbah community.

Indicative site requirements for such a

facility may be:

- 6.5-7ha site area on land that is well

drained, of unexceptional topography

and with regular dimensions. Where

schools can be appropriately located

with adjacent sporting facilities and

open space, DETA may exercise its

discretion to reduce site requirements.

- At present, the gross floor area required

for approximately 625 P-7 students is

about 5,500m² (excluding any special

education unit).

Source: Implementation Guideline No.5 – Social




Department of Infrastructure; June 2007.

Sources:






Assessment)

• Petkova, Vanessa., Lockie, Stewart., Rolfe, John., Vanova, Galina. 2009. “Mining Developments and Social Impacts on

Communities: Bowen Basin Case Studies” Rural Society 19 (3): 211-228. Accessed March 8, 2011.

• Report of a Social Facilities Infrastructure Audit of the Mackay Whitsunday Region A publication of the Social Sector

Reference Group of the Whitsunday Hinterland and Mackay (WHAM) Regional Plan, September 2008





• Moranbah State School Annual Report 2009 http://moranbahss.eq.edu.au/school-reports/annual.pdf accessed 17

March 2011.

• Moranbah East State School Annual report 2009 http://moranbaess.eq.edu.au/school-report/annual.pdf accessed 17

March 2011.

• Moranbah State high School Annual report 2009 http://moranbahshs.eq.edu.au/school-reports/annual.pdf access 17

March 2011.


Cultural, Community, Recreation and Information Infrastructure

and Services

Facilities

Moranbah is well serviced in regards to recreational facilities; reportedly partly due to a history of

incremental funding from surrounding miners since the 1960’s which means that there are a lot of

sporting facilities in town. A performing arts space has not been identified within the town, which when

considered against the comparative rates of provision, may indicate it is under provided in that respect.


11,442 (OESR,2011)

Projected

Pop. 2031

18,570³

Cultural and

Recreation Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps

Potential

gap at

2031

District Performing

arts space

1:30,000-

50,000 1* 0

Some performing

arts activities occur

at the Moranbah

Community Centre.

Nil/further

investigation

Nil/

further

investigati

on

District Library 1:15,000-

30,000 1* 1 Moranbah Library

Nil Nil

Local Art Gallery N/A N/A 1

Coalface Gallery

(part of the Isaac

Regional Council

offices)

Nil/further

investigation N/A

District

Major

recreation

facility

(e.g.

aquatic

centre)

N/A N/A 1 Greg Cruickshank

Aquatic Centre,

Nil

N/A

Local

Minor built

facility

(e.g. small

clubrooms)

N/A N/A 5

Moranbah Rugby

Club, Moranbah

Pony Club,

Moranbah Horse

Race Club,

Moranbah Rodeo,

Moranbah Golf

Club, Moranbah

Boxing and sporting

club

Nil

N/A






Moranbah Library

Services (part of the Isaac

In addition to library services the Moranbah Library provides:

- Under 5's Room, One Small Room, Meeting Room, Reference and Local History Room,

Includes: Theatres, Cinemas, Art centres, Community arts programs and services, Museums,

Galleries, Sporting facilities and service, Leisure facilities and services, Community groups, Libraries,

Communications facilities and services.


Regional Council

offices)

Access to Art Gallery and Tourist Information

- After school hub – project planning for school programs in libraries, ICT – one-on-one

tutoring 4-8pm Friday -computer school-self-based learning – 600 lessons

- OPAC – online public access – linked to the mining camps – computer training.

Aiming to make the library a base, a community hub for a whole lot of engagement activities and

community development. Keen to develop literacy programs for under 4s and for adults. Very

large % of under fours in the community and link in with the mining camps.

Partnerships currently forming with QCWA to deliver craft programs in libraries

Employees Should be staffed with 11 positions in total, currently 6 positions filled. (Council consultation)

Capacity Unknown

DSS/Benchmarks Unknown

Coalface Gallery

Gallery A small local community art gallery. It provides local artists and craftspeople with an opportunity

to display their art, free of charge. Coalface Gallery organises arts and crafts exhibitions and plays

a host to touring exhibitions. Moranbah arts council – brings workshops and activities to the

town – currently 120 active members – Moranbah gentle arts, RADF – regional arts development

fund / art gallery. Arts space in community centre (small hanging gallery space for local and

emerging artists) (part of the Isaac Regional Council offices) Employees 1 (library manager)

Capacity Unknown


Greg Cruickshank Aquatic Centre

Facilities Lane 4 suite of programs catering for all abilities from children to champions

6 Lane 50m Pool

6 Lane 25m Heated Pool

Shaded Children’s Wading Pool

Grandstand style seating

Aqua Café and Swim Shop

Lap Swimming Lanes

Disabled Pool Hoist

Operates all year round (reduced hours from May-Aug)

Employees Unknown

Capacity Unknown



Other Cultural, Community and Recreation Service Providers





Theatres Radio 4RFM

Cinemas Currently Closed

Art centres Coalface Gallery

Community arts programs and

services Multicultural Group, Little Artists, Moranbah Arts Council, Radio 4RFM

Museums



Sporting facilities and activities

Gymnastics Moranbah Inc., Moranbah Boxing & Sporting Club Inc, Moranbah Hawks

Junior Soccer Federation, Moranbah Hockey Association, Moranbah Miners Rugby

League, Moranbah Pony Club, Moranbah Tennis Association, Moranbah Touch

Association, Moranbah Highlanders Swimming Club, Moranbah Aussie Rules Assoc,

Moranbah Boot Camp, Moranbah Bowhunters, Moranbah Netball Assoc, Moranbah

Bulls Rugby Union Club, Greg Cruickshank Aquatic Centre, Moranbah Bowls Club,

Moranbah Golf Club, Rodeo Grounds, Moranbah Worker's Squash and Volleyball,

Radio 4RFM, Moranbah Speedway Assoc, BMX CLub, Moranbah Motor Cycle Riders

Club, Moranbah Motorcross Club, IRC

Leisure facilities and services

Moranbah Campdrafters, Wine Lovers Group, , Book Discussion Group, Moranbah

Community Workers Club, Book Discussion Group, Aqua Fitness, Bridge Club, Card

Making/Scrapbooking, Gentle Craft Group, CQ Classic and Muscle Car Club, Guides

Australia, Kasazz Scrapbooking, Moranbah Dance Centre, Moranbah Darts Assoc,

Moranbah Off Road Club, Moranbah Pistol Club, Moranbah Rodeo Assoc, Dance 101,

Haulin' RCCC INC., Moranbah Horse Race Club, Moranbah Line Dancers, Pilates,

Punch it Boxing for Fitness, Scouts Moranbah, Scrapbooking, Tang Soo Do, Moranbah

Bowls Club, Moranbah Golf Club, Rodeo Grounds, Moranbah Worker's Squash and

Volleyball, Greg Cruickshank Aquatic Centre, Radio 4RFM, IRC

Libraries ELAM Inc, Radio 4RFM

Community Groups

Lions Club of Moranbah, Moranbah Masonic Lodge, Moranbah Trefoil Guild, Uniting

Church, Moranbah Combined Schools Local Chaplaincy Committee, Pioneer Valley

and District All Breeds Performance Horse Club Inc, Quota Club, Anglican Church,

Moranbah RSL Club, Moranbah Traders Association, Rotary Club of Moranbah, Oasis

Life

Communications facilities and

services Moranbah Tourist Information (located in Isaac Regional Council offices, Radio 4RFM


Cultural,

Community and

Recreation

Facilities and

Services


Performing Arts

Space

Moranbah does not appear to meet the

comparative rates of provision for a performing

arts space.

Workshop and consultation outcomes indicate

that there is limited opportunity for regular

entertainment (particularly for single people,

older couples and families with teenagers) and a

high demand for youth and family activities

beyond sports.

• Further investigate the need for a

performing arts space within

Moranbah to provide cultural and

community activities and

entertainment.

• Isaac Regional Council is developing an

arts and cultural strategy for the

region.

• Guidance can be sought from Arts

Queensland on requirements for arts

and cultural facilities. Minimum site

area requirements for a district level

arts space may be around 30,000m²

but will depend on the type of facility

and its capacity.



Cultural,

Community and

Recreation

Facilities and

Services






June 2007.

Participation and

volunteers

Service and facility providers indicate that it is

difficult to get volunteers to assist with programs

and facilities, potentially due to the work patterns

of mine employees. An example provided by an

informant was a high demand for swimming

classes due to lack of volunteers to run them.

• The necessary responses to these

identified potential gaps are largely

outside the scope of responsibility of

the ULDA and relate more to broad

issue topics such as work patterns and

the adverse effects of DID/FIFO work

forces.

Sources:

• Moranbah Community Projects on Regional Development Register;(Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Regional Development



Assessment),N.D.


Community (The Development of Moranbah: Stakeholder Analysis). Accessed March 8, 2011.

• Report of a Social Facilities Infrastructure Audit of the Mackay Whitsunday Region A publication of the Social Sector







Legal and Public Safety Infrastructure and Services

Facilities

All emergency service providers are represented within Moranbah and the Moranbah Courthouse

provides a local venue for legal matters. It must be noted that some of the services that operate from

these facilities have indicated issues related to service provision. Further details on this are provided

further below.


11,442 (OESR,2011)

Projected

Pop. 2031

18,570³

Legal and Public

Safety Facilities

Comparativ

e rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps

Potential

gap at

2031

District Police 1:20,000-

30,000 1* 1

Moranbah Police

Station Nil Nil

District Ambulance 1:over

25,000 1* 1 Moranbah Ambulance Nil Nil

District Fire and

Rescue

1:over

25,000 1* 3

Moranbah Fire

Brigade, Moranbah

SES, Qld Mines Rescue

Service

Nil Nil

District Courthouse N/A N/A 1 Moranbah

Magistrates Court Nil N/A







Moranbah Police N.B. The following information was provided in consultation with district police. Official statistics and

staffing information is only available on written request to QPS.

Resourcing 10 officers (including CIB and traffic branch)

2 marked vehicles

Adequately servicing community needs

Future planning

and challenges

QPS are aware that the Moranbah Police station needs to be upgraded

Difficult to measure need and demand for services resulting for the resources sector such as

traffic enforcement issues

Difficult to plan for demand because EIS’s often don’t include numbers for contract staff so the

service has no real idea of what the population will be.

Information on cumulative impacts associated with expansions and new operations is not

adequately provided.

Services are prioritised according to need and it’s difficult to accurately identify what those needs

Includes: Emergency services (Fire, Police, Ambulance and State Emergency Services), Court houses,

Police stations, Correctional institutions (prisons, youth detention centres, half way houses, etc.),

Community legal services and Legal Aid, Human rights services, Crime prevention services and

activities (Neighbourhood Watch, etc)., Community dispute resolution services.


might be but QPS understand that there is a need to increase provision in the towns.


• The police-to-population ratio for Queensland at 30 June 2010 was 1:434

• “Population ratio is not the only indicator of the provision of effective policing.

Different districts have different policing needs. Police managers are aware of this and

allocate resourcing accordingly.” “The Queensland Police Service continually reviews

the allocation of police staffing resources across the state as part of its annual planning

and budgetary processes. Rather than relying on one factor, such as the local police-

population ration, such reviews include assessments of demographic factors, crime

trends, local policing initiatives, historical demand for service and local policing

initiatives.”

• Central Region: Gladstone (1:492), Longreach (1:231), Mackay (1:573), Rockhampton

(1:470)

(Source: Question on Notice, No.2160, asked on 27 October 2010, Queensland Parliament, 2010

accessed 3 March 2011, www.parliament.qld.gov.au )

Moranbah Ambulance

Resourcing Unknown


Consultation with Department of Community Safety indicates that service provision, like facility

provision follows rather than dictates population growth and development. The location and

scale of emergency service facilities is determined by a number of factors, including:

- The type of community (urban, rural or isolated);

- Service delivery demand (number of incidents per day);

- The demographic characteristics of the community;

- Ready accessibility to and egress from major roadways;

- Response time profiling and risk profiling of the community; and

- In the case of ambulance stations demand can be impacted on by the presence of

health facilities, aged persons accommodation and high risk industries.

SEQRP 2005-2026 Implementation Guideline No. 5 provides specific guidance regarding DCS

infrastructure needs for QFRS & QAS.

Additionally, when UDA projects such as Blackwater & Moranbah are identified for State interest

review DCS considers any further project impacts at that stage.

(Source: Department of Community Safety)

Other Legal and Public Safety Service Providers





Correctional Institutions

(prisons, youth detention

centres, half way houses, etc.)

Community legal services and

Legal Aid Moranbah & District Support Services

Human rights services

Crime prevention services and

activities (Neighbourhood

Watch, etc.)

Mackay and District Youth Crime Prevention Services

Community dispute resolution

services Moranbah Police


Gaps and future challenges identified for Legal and Public Safety

Infrastructure and Services

Stakeholders report that the police service appears to be under staffed and frequently have difficulty

responding to incidents in the town. Consultation with QPS indicated that although they are able to

adequately meet the needs of the community, their resources are stretched, particularly in relation to the

provision of marked vehicles to escort wide-load movement resulting from surrounding mine operations.

It was anecdotally reported that the availability of ambulances to service the wider community can be an

issue due to the increase in vehicle accidents within the area. Crime rates are perceived to be most

significantly on the rise in Moranbah, although this is not supported by statistics which indicate the rate of

crimes against the person in Moranbah is below the state average, however, the Queensland trend for

offences against property is slightly decreasing, and Moranbah numbers remain fairly constant

(CSRM;2010).

Legal and Public

Safety Facilities

and Services


Emergency

Services

Difficulty in attracting emergency services staff to

locate to the town. Lack of and cost of housing

makes it extremely difficult to source

accommodation for officers.

QPS Officers don’t apply to move to the towns and

need to be forced to go and as such QPS has to

provide them with housing.

QPS Officers are leaving the service and taking

jobs with the mines for more money.

Traffic enforcement is the biggest demand issue

and a high priority for QPS with a range of issues

and challenges including:

- Fatigue and road safety (increase in

accidents)

- Speeding, drink driving

- Movement of wide-loads (requires

both police cars to escort and leaves

the towns undersupplied and

vulnerable due to remoteness)

Police are in need of additional police vehicles to

supplement those required to escort wide-loads, a

direct result of the resources sector.

Other service challenges for QPS are associated

within:

- alcohol and domestic violence

- costs to upgrade radio network

‘blackspots’ created when new

mines develop or are expanded.

Workshop participants report that:

- Ambulance services are understaffed

mainly due to the price of housing.

- SES are struggling to get volunteer

• ULDA to work with housing providers

and mines to address shortage and

costs of housing generally and in

particular as it relates to housing for

emergency services staff.

• Land use planning implications to

cater for any potential upgrade and

expansion of existing emergency

services infrastructure should be

considered.

• QPS are currently working with the

mines on driver education programs.


members.

Sources:


Assessment),N.D.


Community (The Development of Moranbah: Stakeholder Analysis. Accessed March 8, 2011

• Report of a Social Facilities Infrastructure Audit of the Mackay Whitsunday Region; A publication of the Social Sector



responsibility in Mining (CSRM), The University of Queensland, Australia.






Transport Infrastructure and Services

Facilities

There are no comparative rates of provision for transport facilities of which there are none in Moranbah.


Transport Service Providers

The following provides the only community transport service identified in Moranbah. It should be noted

that there may be other services and providers who have not responded to a survey for this project.



Public transport (public and

private operators of trains,

buses and ferries)

Taxis (including disability

access vehicles) Moranbah Taxi Service

Community agency vehicles

Community car pooling



Transport

Facilities and

Services


Overall there appears to be very little in the way

of transport infrastructure and services in

Moranbah, an obvious gap in provision for the

community, and distances from services and lack

of public transport is affecting service provider’s

ability to attract staff and access clients.

• The integration of opportunities for

public transport should be considered

in the development of the UDA.

Sources:


Community (The Development of Moranbah: Stakeholder Analysis). Accessed March 8, 2011.



Includes: Public transport (public and private operators of trains, buses, and ferries), Taxis (incl.

disability access vehicles), Community agency vehicles, and Community car-pooling.


3.2 Blackwater

Australian Bureau of Statistics data published in 2009 indicates that Blackwater experienced minimal

population growth between 2001 and 2009 at 13.82% in comparison to both Moranbah (31.37%) and the

Queensland average (21.94%). The population group which made up the largest part of the minimal

growth were residents aged 50 years and above.

Given that population projection data for Blackwater is not available, this historical pattern of growth is

useful to understand potential current and future areas of demand for service and facilities within the

community.

The Top 3 priority issues identified by stakeholders to be addressed in Blackwater have been broadly


1. Housing

2. Childcare services and facilities

3. Increased opportunities for activities for young people and the broader community including

cultural activated and programs

Health and related Facilities and Services

Facilities

The Blackwater Hospital provides the bulk of health related services to the Blackwater community and

meets the comparative rate of provision for hospital facilities, however Blackwater does not meet the rate

of provision for aged services/respite care as there is no identified facility available to the community.

Consultation directly with the hospital indicated that it is experiencing a significant increase in demand for

its services and the facility is neither large enough nor resourced adequately to cope with the current

demand. Hospital admission rates per 1000 people are considerably higher at 171.5/1000 than the state

average of 119/1000 people. (CSRM; 2010). The regional centre of Emerald is located a 45 minute drive

from Blackwater. Emerald Hospital and associated allied health services provide a range of higher level

hospital and medical support for the Blackwater community.

The hospital’s services have been downsized over the years and it is reportedly in need of refurbishment

and upgrade (Central Highland Council has requested a new hospital building be provided). Queensland

Health is not expecting a need to increase hospital services to the facility, although the department has

recently embarked on a review of its services to mining towns in Queensland.

Includes: Hospitals (public and private), General health clinics and centres, Nursing Homes, Alcohol

and drug services, Family planning services, Home and Community Care (HACC) services, Home

nursing services, Hospice services, Immunisation clinics and services, Youth health services, Women’s

health services, HIV/AIDs services, Aboriginal Health Services.


Health and Related Facilities and Services Comparative Rate of Provision, Blackwater, 2011

Blackwater FTE population estimate, 2010

6,767 (OESR,2011)

Potential

Pop. 2031

7,500²

Health Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps Potential

gap at 2031

Regional Hospital -

public 100,000¹ 1* 1

Blackwater

Hospital Nil Nil

District

Community

Health

Centre

1:20,000-

30,000 1* 0 N/A

Further

investigation

Further

investigation

Private

Medical N/A

No standards

or

benchmarks

available

N/A 2

Blackwater Health

Care, North

Blackwater

General Practice

N/A N/A

District

Aged Care

Service /

Respite

Centre

1:20,000-

30,000 1* 0 N/A

Further

investigation

Further

investigation

Source: Implementation Guideline No.5 – Social infrastructure planning; South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005-

2026; Queensland Government Office of Urban Management, Department of Infrastructure; June 2007.


¹Queensland Health does not publish benchmarks for planning hospital facilities. The capacity, role and model of care

for each site is based on detailed local planning and needs analysis, but is likely to service a catchment of over

100,000 people.

² PIFU medium series based on 2006 Census and 2008 LGIS Small Communities Study

* Blackwater is located more than 50Km from the closest District Centre.

Services and Benchmarks

Blackwater Hospital

Hospital 4 aged care bed, 2 high care beds and 2 low care beds

Acute Medical, Accident and Emergency

Specialist Ante natal care/post natal care, Palliative care Clinics Immunisation clinic, diabetic clinic

Allied Health and

other services X-ray services, post-acute care (wound care etc.), pharmacy

Outpatient care including visiting occupational therapy, speech therapy, child therapy,

podiatry, physiotherapy, Ozcare run 1.4 FT nurses per fortnight

Patients 700-1000 patients per month

Employees 30 employees including, 2 nurses on staff all the time, 1 RN, 1EN on rotating shifts

Mining consortium funds a second doctor - $250,000/year

Accommodation No doctor’s housing provided

Recent development

and future Planning

Queensland Health acknowledges that there may be a need for more community health

and allied health services to support the hospital but are not experiencing or expecting a

high demand for additional hospital facilities. CHRC has requested that Queensland Health

provide a new hospital as the existing is very old and inadequate.

DSS/Benchmarks Following extensive enquiry with QLD Health, no service benchmarks/FTE positions per

1000 people could be ascertained. The capacity, role and model of care for each site is

based on detailed local planning and needs analysis undertaken by QLD health.

Blackwater Health Care (General Practice)

Services General Family Medicine

Employees 1 GP

Benchmarks Blackwater Health Care is privately owned and operated and were unable to provide benchmarks or

desires


Other Health Service Providers

The main function of the Blackwater hospital now is minor outpatient procedures and triage. Medical

services in the town are supported by funding from the mine’s consortium which funds the position for a

second doctor. Bidgerdii Indigenous Health Services provides one doctor and is managed from

Rockhampton. Allied health services are based in Emerald and Rockhampton and there is no local child

health service. In addition to the facilities above, the following service providers operate in Blackwater. It

should be noted that there may be other services and providers who have not responded to a survey for

this project. Details on the location of the services are contained in the stakeholder database (where

known).


General health clinics and centres North Blackwater General Practice, Blackwater Health Care Centre, Anglicare

Central Qld Ltd

Nursing Homes

Alcohol and drug services Centacare Blackwater, Ozcare, Alcoholic Anonymous, Anglicare Central Qld

Ltd, Blackwater Hospital

Family planning services

Home and Community Care (HACC)

services Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, CHRC

Home nursing services Centacare Blackwater, Ozcare, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd

Hospice Services

Immunisation clinics and services Centacare Blackwater, Ozcare, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Blackwater

Hospital

Specialist clinics and services

Youth health services Blackwater Child Health, Bidgerdii Community Health Service, Blackwater

Hospital

Women's health services Well Women's Health, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Blackwater Hospital

HIV/AIDS services Blackwater Hospital

Aboriginal health services Bidgerdii Community Health Service, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Blackwater

Hospital

Aerial ambulance services Qld Ambulance Service, Blackwater Hospital

Gaps and future challenges identified in health and related services and

facilities

Health

Facilities and

Services


Blackwater

Hospital

Hospital admission numbers for Blackwater

Hospital are well above the Queensland

average. (CSMR;2010)

The survey response from the Blackwater

Hospital indicates that the facility is unable to

service current population demand, is

experiencing a significant increase in demand

for services from both new and temporary

residents and requires additional resourcing

including:

- More medical officers for Blackwater

- More nursing staff overall

- More operational staff.

Lack of services for anything other than minor

• No additional land for hospital

expansion anticipated at this stage.

• Hospital staffing and services are

responsibility of Queensland Health

• Accommodation and locational

challenges affect the ability of QLD

Health to attract medical staff to

Blackwater.


Health

Facilities and

Services


day procedures (including blood tests)

Blackwater Hospital indicated that it requires

additional internal space, “a new hospital more

rooms for storage”

Stakeholders indicated that the hospital is

inadequate and needs to be refurbished

Queensland Health suggested that road access

may be an issue to be addressed as the

population increases

An increase in the proportion of aging

population may require additional health

facilities and services to cater for their medical

needs.

Medical

services and

allied health

services

The provision of basic health and medical

services within the town is identified as a major

gap in services provision by stakeholders and is

of considerable concern for the community.

Consultation indicates a number of deficiencies

in the provision of health services in Blackwater

including:

- Lack of basic health facilities

- Lack of local allied health services

- Flying dentist once a month but most

people have to go to Rockhampton or

Emerald for a dentist

- Only small x-ray service in town at

the hospital

- No child health in town (lost child

health nurse last year)

- No sexual health services in Central

Highlands region.

Reported lack of aged care facilities in

Blackwater.

Specific need for respite for younger persons

with a disability (aged care in hospital is not

appropriate). Nearest respite for families is a

150km round trip to Emerald.

No taxi of bus service for patients.

• Land use planning should consider the

potential provision of a respite center

(which caters for young people with

disabilities) within Backwater. Indicative

site requirements for such a facility may

be:

- Minimum floor area of 500m²,

depending on the services provided

- Minimum site area of

approximately 1,500-2,000m²

• Potential partnerships in the

development of quality accommodation

to assist in attracting medical

professionals.

• Investigate market interest in the

development of commercial space for

the delivery of private health services.


potential need for additional allied

health services in the region and has

recently embarked on a strategic

planning project to review services

demand in Queensland mining towns.

Sources:

• Rolfe, J., Ivanova, G., Lockie, S., 2006. Assessing the Social and Economic Impacts of Coal Mining on Communities in the

Bowen Basin: Summary and Recommendations (Socio-economic impact assessment and community engagement to

reduce conflict over mine operations research reports). Accessed March 8, 2011.



• Australian Bureau of Statistics; Population by Age and Sex, regions of Australia, 2009.




responsibility in Mining (CSRM), The University of Queensland, Australia.


Family Support Facilities and Services

Facilities

Based on the use of the comparative rates, it would appear as though Blackwater currently meets its

necessary requirements on childcare and preschool facilities. However, consultation with existing service

providers and other stakeholders indicates that there is a distinct lack of childcare and preschool facilities

in the town and no known after school care.


6,767 (OESR,2011)

Potential

FTE Pop.

2031

7,500²

Family Support

Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps

Potential

gap at 2031

Local Child care

centre

1:500-700

children (0-4

yrs) or

2

(potentially

based on high

proportion 0-

4yr olds in

population

profile)

2

C&K Blackwater

Community Child Care

Centre, Kids and Co

Nil

2

(based on

consultation

and high

proportion of

0-4yr olds in

population)

1:4,000-8,000

people 1

Local Kindergarten

/ Preschool 1:16,000 1 1 Blackwater Preschool

Further

investigation

Further

investigation

(based on

high

proportion of

children)

Local After school

care N/A N/A 1 Blackwater PCYC N/A

Further

investigation





Includes: Counselling services, Disability services, Child care centres and services (incl. family day

care and after school care), Child protection services, Domestic violence services (incl. shelters),

Income support services (incl. social security, emergency relief), Homemaker services, Meals services

(incl. meals on wheels), Youth services, Aged people’s services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island

services, Migrant and refugee services, Women’s services, Children’s services.



C&K Childcare


Places offered Currently offer 44 (hopes to increase to 75) places at $65/day

Service Experiencing a major increase in demand for provision due to the resources sector. Any family

moving to town with children is looking for care.

Only long day care in Blackwater

Currently 3 rooms, 1 babies, 1 for 2-3yrs, 1 for 3-5yrs

Waiting list 2yr waiting list/ 200 children on the list – babies rooms have the biggest waiting list

Staffing Currently 16 employees, hope to increase by at least 5

Plans for

expansion

Expansion will add 2 rooms (5 total), 2 for babies, 2 for 2-3yrs, 1 for 3-5yrs. Development 3-6mths

away. Funding for expansion from Qld State Government, Bowen Basin Funding. Department of

Education and Training is providing $3.6 million in funding to expand child care services in Bowen

Basin mining communities including Blackwater.

Benchmarks/DSS Service benchmarks/FTE positions per number of children unknown

Blackwater PCYC before and after school care

Ownership Community based service run out of the Blackwater State School building

Places offered Unknown


DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks/FTE positions per number of children unknown.

Anglicare Central Queensland

Ownership Community based service

Services Provides a wide range of local family support services

Employs 2 staff in Blackwater and services 21 clients

DSS/Benchmarks Not for profit service, any organisational benchmarks are unknown.

Department of Communities

Ownership State Government service provider

Services Disability services: Information & referral about other services in the community, support to

individuals and families with a disability

Linking people with a disability to a range of different support networks and services, depending

on individual needs and interest.

Assist and support local groups and agencies with planning and development

Council wide service that is adequately servicing the current population demands

DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks not identified


Blackwater is serviced by a variety of family support services including a number of non-government

organisations such as Anglicare and Ozcare. Many of these are listed in the following table. It should be


project. Of the family support services available in Blackwater, child care, aged people’s services and

disability services are reported to be most lacking.

There is reportedly no support for the elderly to age in place with a lack of respite and aged services and

independent living accommodation in the town which forces the elderly to relocate to Emerald or

elsewhere when home services are no longer adequate.




Counseling services Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Relationships Australia

Disability services Department of Communities - Disabilities Services, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd,

Child care centres and services

(including family day care and after

school care)

Jelly Babies Playground, Toddler Time, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd

Child protection services Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Department of Child Safety and Communities

Domestic violence services

(including shelters)

Domestic Violence Services of Central Queensland, Centacare Blackwater,

Ozcare, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd

Income support services (including

social security, emergency relief) Centerlink provided by Anglicare Central Qld Ltd

Homemaker services

Meals services (including meals on

wheels) Blue Care, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Blackwater Hospital

Youth services Blackwater PCYC, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, St John's Ambulance, CHRC

Aged people's services Centacare Blackwater, Ozcare, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, CHRC , Blackwater

Hospital

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

services

Duaringa Shire Senior Citizen's Assoc. Inc, Central Highlands Aboriginal Corp.,

Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, CHRC, Blackwater Hospital

Migrant and refugee services

Women's services Australian Breastfeeding Association, Central Highlands Regional Council,

Blackwater Hospital

Children's services Central Highlands Regional Council, Blackwater Hospital

Gaps and future challenges identified for family support services

Family Support


Childcare

Services

Unable to service current demand.

C&K Childcare reports a current two year

waiting list with 200 children on the list –

baby’s rooms have the biggest waiting list.

Only 6 places for infants 6-18 months in entire

community

A lack of full day childcare services

In 2006, 79% of parents in Blackwater

undertook unpaid childcare compared to the

Queensland state average of 71% (ABS 2006

Census of Population and Housing)

Stakeholders identified the provision of

childcare services as the second highset

priority issue facing Blackwater. (Housing was

identified as the number one priority issue)

• Additional childcare facilities need to be

provided within Blackwater, particularly

for infants 6-18 months.

• Department of Education and Training is

providing $3.6 million in funding to

expand child care services in Bowen

Basin mining communities including

Blackwater.

• For a 75-place childcare centre, indicative

minimum space requirements include:

- 3.25m² of indoor play space and 7m²

of outdoor place space for each child.

- Additional requirements include

areas for food and bottle

preparation, a laundry, cleaners and

administration facilities.




Family Support





June 2007.

Kindergarten/Pre

school and after

school care

Based on consultation and potential future

population estimates, the Blackwater

community may be in need of an additional

kindergarten/ preschool and after school care

facilities to service the population growth.

• Potential future need for additional

kindergarten/preschool facility.

Indicative site requirements for a

kindergarten/preschool facility may be

approximately 1500m²-2000m² of land.

• Potential future need for after school

care facilities to service future population

growth need to be investigated as the

population increases. Indicative site

requirements for such a facility may be:

- A combined play area of 15.25m² per

child – incorporating 3.25m² of

indoor play space, 7m² of outdoor

play area, and an additional 5m² of

space wither inside or outside.

Source: Implementation Guideline No.5 – Social




Department of Infrastructure; June 2007.

Other family

support services

Consultation reports that there is a gap in the

availability of:

- Aged care services (particularly services

to help the elderly age in place are

needed)

- Services for young people with

disabilities

- Amenities for people with a disability,

including such as toilets.

An increase in the proportion of older

residents within the community may require

additional support services to cater for their

medical needs.

• Land use planning should consider the

potential provision of an aged care

service/ respite center within Backwater.

Indicative site requirements for such a

facility may be:

- Minimum floor area of 500m²,

depending on the services provided

- Min site area of approximately

1,500-2,000m²

• Land use planning of facilities and public

spaces should seek to include facilities for

all ability users.


potential need for additional allied health

services in the region and has recently

embarked on a strategic planning project

to review services demand in Queensland

mining towns.

Sources:


http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/2010-11/bp5-part-16-2010-11.pdf accessed 11 March 2011



responsibility in Mining, The University of Queensland, Australia.

• Australian Bureau of Statistics; Population by Age and Sex, regions of Australia, 2009.




Community Development Facilities and Services

Facilities

Based on application of the comparative rates against only the population projection for Blackwater, the

town is generally well provided for in relation to community development facilities. Given that Blackwater

is in excess of 50km from the nearest district centre there may be a need to provide a local

Neighbourhood centre within the town which should provide additional community meeting spaces.


6,767 (OESR,2011)

Potential

FTE Pop.

2031

7,500²

Community

Development Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps Potential

gap at 2031

Local Community

meeting room 1,2500-3,000 2 3

QCWA Blackwater,

Rubyvale Hall,

Centacare

Nil 1

Local

Multi-purpose

Community

Centre

1:6,000-

10,000 1 1

Anglicare

Community Centre

Further

investigation

Further

investigation

District Neighborhood

Centre

1:20,000-

30,000 1* 0

Further

investigation

Further

investigation

District Youth

Centre/service

1:20,000-

50,000 1* 1 Blackwater PCYC

Further

investigation

Further

investigation






Includes: Community and neighbourhood centres, Community services and support centres,

Community development workers, Youth development workers, Community halls and meeting

places, Advocacy services, Coordination and information services, Employment services.


Blackwater PCYC

Services Provides a host of community development services including:

- community and neighbourhood centre

- Youth development workers

- Community meeting halls and meeting places

- District service which is adequately servicing current demand

Currently provides services to approximately 1800 clients through 2 facilities

Currently undertaking a community scan to better identify services and programs needed.

There is no information on this at the present time

No. of facilities 2

Employees 10




The Blackwater PCYC, Department of Communities, Central Highland Regional Council and a number of

non-government organisations provide the majority of community development services and facilities in

the town.

It should be noted that there may be other services and providers who have not responded to a survey for


known).


Community and neighbourhood

centres Blackwater PCYC

Community services support centres Blackwater PCYC, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, CHRC

Community development workers Central Highlands Aboriginal Corp., Anglicare Central Qld Ltd

Youth development workers Blackwater PCYC, Blackwater High School

Community halls and meeting places Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, QCWA Blackwater, Rubyvale Hall, CHRC

Advocacy services

Coordination and information

services Central Highlands Aboriginal Corp., CHRC

Employment services CRS Australia, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd



Stakeholder consultation did not highlight any major deficiencies with regard to community development

facilities or services in Blackwater, however, the PCYC is currently undertaking a community scan to better

identify services and programs needed. Any findings obtained relating to perceived gaps are provided

below.


Community

Development

Facilities and

Services

Gaps and Future Challenges Implications

Community

development

service providers

PCYC facility is in need of maintenance and

upgrade.

Perceived lack of community meeting halls and

existing halls need upgrading to meet current

demands e.g. access ramps

There is a perceived need to better educate the

whole community about who is living in

temporary resident accommodation and clarify

misconceptions about behaviour.

Accommodation providers stressed that some

workers can’t live in Blackwater because of

work requirements of their partners or

schooling for their children etc.

• Land use should consider a possible

need to integrate spaces for

community meetings or potential

expansion and upgrade of existing

identified facilities.

• Where possible, ULDA should

facilitate potential opportunities for

community development and

relationship building.

Community

Centres

Based on the indicative potential population

growth figures provided, the need for a Multi-

purpose Community Centre (and potentially

additional community meeting rooms) will

grow along with the population.

• There is an identified growing need

for a local Community Centre to

service the future Blackwater

community. Consideration should

be given to incorporating additional

community meeting spaces within a

centre. Indicative spatial

requirements for a local community

centre may be:

- 600-800m² GFA (Hall -400m²)

- 5,000m² site area (Hall -

2,000m²)

- Design should include flexible,

multi-purpose facilities,

potentially co-located, with

consideration of child safe

areas, informal areas, visibility

and security.





Management, Department of

Infrastructure; June 2007.

Sources:




Education Facilities and Services

Facilities

Primary and Secondary school education services within Blackwater are currently meeting demand.

Schools have been experiencing a decrease in enrolment, reportedly due to increases in the cost of

accommodation created by the resources sector and families moving away from the town.


6,767 (OESR,2011)

Potential

FTE Pop.

2031

7,500²

Education Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps Potential

gap at

2031

Local Primary

School

1:7,500

(greenfield) 1 2

Blackwater State

School, Blackwater

North State School

Nil Nil

District High

School

1:20,000

(greenfield) 1* 1 Blackwater High School, Nil Nil

District TAFE

campus

1:over

50,000 1* 1

CQ TAFE Blackwater

(managed from

Emerald, classes run

through Blackwater

High School)

Nil Nil

Adult

education N/A N/A 1 Open Learning Centre Nil Nil





* Blackwater is located more than 50Km from the closest District Centre


Blackwater State School


Number of

students

246 students (2009)

Employees 23 teaching staff (18 FTE) (2009), 34 employees total (25 FTE) (2009)

Capacity Current easily services the current population - 82% capacity (2009)

DSS/Benchmarks






Sources: Department of Education and Training Teachers, Certified Agreement 2010. Accessed March 8,

2010. http://www.qtu.asn.au/det_teachers_ca2010.pdf

http://www.blackwatss.eq.edu.au/Notes/annual.pdf 2009

Blackwater North State School

Includes: Preschools, Primary schools, High schools, Technical and Further Education facilities (and

private vocational training facilities and services, Universities, Distance education programs (adult

education, education centres).



Number of

students

466 students (2009)

Employees 44 teaching staff (40 FTE), 70 employees in total (54 FTE) (2009)


DSS/Benchmarks






Sources:



http://www.blacnortss.eq.edu.au/report/SchoolReport2009.pdff 2009

Blackwater State High School

Primary School Year 8 to Year 12

Number of

students

409 students (2009)

Employees 37 teaching staff (36 FTE), 62 employees in total (54 FTE) (2009)


DSS/Benchmarks

School Years Identified Student to teacher

ratio targets


Year 8 -10, 28 students/teacher 19 students/teacher Nil

Year 11 & 12 25 students/teacher 12 students/teacher Nil

Sources:



http://blackwatershs.eq.edu.au/annualreport.pdf 2009

Central Queensland TAFE, Blackwater

Service Adult and community education

Main campus is in Emerald, some classes run through Blackwater High School

Number of

students

unknown

Employees Unknown



Other Education Service Providers

It should be noted that there may be other services and providers who have not responded to a survey for


known).


Primary schools Blackwater North State School, Blackwater State School

High schools Blackwater High School

Technical and further education

facilities (and private vocational

training facilities and services)

Central Queensland TAFE Blackwater,

Universities

Distance education support Blackwater High School



centres

Skillshare projects

Community education programs

(adult education, education

centres)

Open Learning Centre, Department of Communities


Education

Facilities and

Services


Adult and

community

education

There may potentially be a need for additional

opportunities for adult and community education.

• Land use development and new

community facility planning should

consider the need for provision of

space to cater for adult and

community education providers. This

could potentially help with attracting

providers to the town.

Sources:




Queensland Government Office of Urban Management, Department of Infrastructure; June 2007

• Blackwater State School Annual Report 2009 http://www.blackwatss.eq.edu.au/Notes/annual.pdf accessed 17 March

2011.

• Blackwater North State School Annual report 2009 http://www.blacnortss.eq.edu.au/report/SchoolReport2009.pdf

accessed 17 March 2011.

• Blackwater State High School Annual report 2009 http://blackwatershs.eq.edu.au/annualreport.pdf accessed 17 March

2011.


Cultural, Community, Recreation and Information Infrastructure

and Services

Facilities Blackwater is well serviced in terms of physical infrastructure for sport and recreation by way of

numerous existing facilities provided over time by miners and maintained by the Council, who report that

it’s difficult to keep up the maintenance on the facilities and as such some of them are in need of repair,

e.g. the skate park. These facilities vary in popularity over time; currently the speedway is very popular as

is the pony club.


6,767 (OESR,2011)

Potential

FTE Pop.

2031

7,500²

Cultural and

Recreation Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps Potential

gap at

2031

District Performing

arts space

1:30,000-

50,000 1* 1 Blackwater Civic Centre Nil Nil

District Library 1:15,000-

30,000 1* 1 Blackwater Library Nil Nil

District

Multi-

purpose

community

centre

1:20,000-

50,000 1* 1

Blackwater International

Coal Centre (BICC) Nil Nil

Local Art Gallery N/A N/A 1 Blackwater Art Gallery N/A N/A

District

Major

recreation

facility (e.g.

aquatic

centre)

N/A N/A 4

Bellert/Wockner Oval

(Blackwater and District

Rugby FC, Blackwater

Basilisks Rugby Union, ,

Blackwater Little

Athletics) Blackwater

Country Club (golf

course, squash,

Blackwater Crushers

Junior Rugby League

Inc.), Blackwater Aquatic

Centre, Blackwater PCYC

N/A N/A

Local

Minor built

facility (e.g.

small

clubrooms)

N/A N/A 2 Blackwater Rodeo,

Blackwater Pony Club N/A N/A






Blackwater Civic Centre

Services Function, event and live music and training venue, community arts programs and services

Includes: Theatres, Cinemas, Art centres, Community arts programs and services, Museums,

Galleries, Sporting facilities and service, Leisure facilities and services, Community groups, Libraries,

Communications facilities and services.


Spaces Art Gallery

The supper room = 80 (theatre style), 60 (cabaret style)

The Lawrie Currie Auditorium = 560 (theatre style), 250 (cabaret style)

Employees and

clients

2 facilities, 500 clients, 2 employees

DSS/Benchmarks The civic centre indicated that they are unable to service the current demand but service

benchmarks/FTE positions could not be identified.

Blackwater International Coal Centre (BICC)

Services Function centre

Interpretative Centre (history and future of mining)

Cinema

Mine tours

(funded through federal, state and local government, together with sponsorship from

leading mining, transport, logistics and energy companies)

Spaces A conference/venue rooms

Outdoor conference/venue spaces

Employees and

clients

DSS/Benchmarks The service the current demand but service benchmarks/FTE positions could not be

identified.


Blackwater Library

Services Blackwater library provides a range of community services to Blackwater and the district

beyond standard library services

Demand for

services

Between 2008 and 2009, increases in the following library services were reported:

• Outreach services (not defined), 6702 participant = 11% increase

• Teen programs 5,730 participants = 382% increase

• Multicultrual programs = 54 held = 13% increase

• Adult program attendance increased by 25%

http://www.blackwaterlib.org/docs/2009_Annual_Report.pdf

Capacity Unknown


Blackwater Aquatics

Services Blackwater Aquatics provide aquatic programs and services to the broader community

including infant aquatics; learn to swim, stroke development squads, junior and senior squads,

adult fitness classes, recreational programs and aquatic industry courses for teachers, coaches

and pool staff.

http://www.blackwateraquatics.com.au/index.php?page=aquatic-services

Employees Unknown

Capacity Unknown


Blackwater PCYC

Facilities Facility contains 2 halls:

• Large hall caters for activities such as basketball, skating, indoor soccer, community

displays and events and Friday night skating.

• Small hall is carpeted and caters for bingo, aerobics, gymnastics and has Xbox

facilities, pool tables and a cinema projector and screen.


Capacity Currently adequately services 1800 clients


Future demand Expecting demand to increase due to growth in the resources sector. It is already experiencing

an increase demand for its fitness centre


Blackwater Mineworkers Club and Blackwater Country Club

Facilities Sporting facilities and activities, leisure facilities and services

Junior Sports (gold, Bowls, Squash); senior sports facilities (golf, bowls, squash, aero club);

entertainment services

3 clubhouses plus sporting fields, 4000+ clients

Services the local catchment


Capacity Unknown


Other Cultural, Community and Recreation Service Providers

In addition to the above services, the following service and facility providers cater to the Blackwater

community. It should be noted that there may be other services and providers who have not responded

to a survey for this project. Details on the location of the services are contained in the stakeholder

database (where known).


Theatres Blackwater Civic Centre

Cinemas Blackwater International Coal Centre (BICC)

Art centres

Community arts programs and

services Blackwater Civic Centre

Museums Blackwater International Coal Centre (BICC) (coal mining museum)

Galleries Blackwater Art Gallery

Sporting facilities and activities

Blackwater PCYC, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Aquatic Centre, Golf Course Junior

Cricket Club, Sporting Shooters, Tallawarra Clay Target Club, Touch Football

Association, Blackwater & District Rugby League Football Club, Blackwater

Active Riders Association, Blackwater Basilisks Rugby Union, Blackwater Bowls

Club Inc., Blackwater Bowls Club Inc., Blackwater Country Club - Squash Courts,

Blackwater Crushers Junior Rugby League Inc., Blackwater Darts Association,

Blackwater Junior Soccer Club Inc., Blackwater Little Athletics, Blackwater

Netball Association, Blackwater Pistol Club, Blackwater Rodeo Association Inc.,

Blackwater Sports, Blackwater Tennis Association Inc., Blackwater Pony Club

Inc., Blackwater Scouts, Central Highlands Regional Council

Leisure facilities and services

Scouts Blackwater, Blackwater PCYC, Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Blackwater

Junior Motor Cycle Club, Blackwater Mine Workers Club Inc., Blackwater Pony

Club Inc., Blackwater Scouts, Central Highlands Regional Council

Libraries Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Blackwater Library

Community Groups

Baptist Church, Blackwater Community Progress Group, Blackwater

Resurrection Life Centre - Assembly Of God, Coal City Christian Church,

Community Christmas Appeal Inc., Kingdom Of Jehovah`s Witnesses, Lioness

Club Of Blackwater, Lions Club Of Blackwater Inc., Mary Immaculate Catholic

Church, Old Fashioned Gospel Fellowship, Masonic Lodge, Redeemer Lutheran

Church, Rotary Club Of Blackwater Inc., Saint Stephen`s Anglican Church,

Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist, Uniting Church, Central Highlands

Christian Outreach Centre, Duaringa Shire Senior Citizen's Assoc. Inc.

Communications facilities and

services Anglicare Central Qld Ltd



Information sourced through consultation supports this finding though the identification of a gap in the

provision of cultural development programs and activities and events available within Blackwater. As one

stakeholder put it “unless you drink or play sport there is not a lot for you to do”. Service providers

indicate that there is an issue with involvement and the ability to volunteer resulting from mine operation

work patterns.

Cultural,

Community and

Recreation

Facilities and

Services


Cultural services

and facilities

Civic centre is unable to service current demand

for services and is in need of upgrade and

additional training programs. The centre is

experiencing a significant increase in demand

for services

Increased demand for functions and training

spaces due to increase in population

Lack of exhibition spaces

There is a large gap in the community for

cultural activities including:

- Children’s activities. (‘If you’re into sport

you’re ok, if not you aren’t’. Dance

teacher comes from emerald. One music

teacher stretched across 3 schools)

- arts programs and activities.

The need for increases opportunities for

activities and culture, particular for younger

people, was identified by stakeholders in

Blackwater as the third highest priority issue to

be addressed in the town. (Housing and

childcare were numbers one and two,

respectively)

• Further investigate the need for

additional performing arts space

within Blackwater to provide cultural

and community activities and

entertainment.

• Guidance can be sought from Arts

Queensland on requirements for arts

and cultural facilities.

• Minimum site area requirements for

a district level arts space may be

around 30,000m² but will depend on

the type of facility and its capacity.





Management, Department of

Infrastructure; June 2007.

Sports ,

recreation and

community

events

Service and facility providers indicate that it is

difficult to get volunteers to assist with

programs and facilities, potentially due to the

work patterns of mine employees.

Current skate park needs replacing due to

safety concerns

Not enough community events

Lack of clubs





issue topics such as work patterns

and the adverse effects of DID/FIFO

work forces.

Sources:

• A Sustainable Futures Framework for Queensland Mining Towns; Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport &

Recreation. Queensland Government. 2009. Accessed March 8, 2011.

http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/planning/planning/sustainable_futures_framework.pdf



• Blackwater Library Annual report 2008-2009; http://www.blackwaterlib.org/docs/2009_Annual_Report.pdf accessed 17

March 2010

• http://www.blackwateraquatics.com.au/index.php?page=aquatic-services accessed 17 March 2010


Legal and Public Safety Infrastructure and Services

Facilities

All emergency service providers are represented within Blackwater and the Blackwater Courthouse

provides a local venue for legal matters. It must be noted that some of the services that operate from

these facilities have indicated issues related to service provision. Details on this are provided further

below.


6,767 (OESR,2011)

Potential

FTE Pop.

2031

7,500²

Legal and Public

Safety Facilities

Comparative

rate of

Provision

Indicative

requirement

Existing

rate of

provision

Facility details

Gaps

Potential

gap at

2031

District Police 1:20,000-

30,000 1* 1 Blackwater Police Station Nil Nil

District Ambulance 1:over

25,000 1* 1 Blackwater Ambulance Nil Nil

District Fire and

Rescue

1:over

25,000 1* 3

Blackwater Fire Station,

Blackwater SES, Qld Mines

Rescue Service

Nil Nil

District Courthouse N/A N/A 1 Blackwater Magistrates

Court N/A N/A







Blackwater Police N.B. The following information was provided in consultation with district police. Official statistics and

staffing information is only available on written request to QPS.

Resourcing 11 officers (including CIB)

No traffic branch – serviced from Emerald

2 marked vehicles

Provide officer housing in town (currently occupying mine accommodation)

Adequately servicing community needs

Future planning

and challenges

QPS are aware that the Blackwater Police station needs to be upgraded

Provision of a traffic branch in Blackwater has been identified as a priority.

Difficult to measure need and demand for services resulting for the resources sector such as

traffic enforcement issues

Difficult to plan for demand because EIS’s often don’t include numbers for contract staff so the

service has no real idea of what the population will be.

Information on cumulative impacts associated with expansions and new operations is not

adequately provided

Services are prioritised according to need and it’s difficult to accurately identify what those

needs might be but QPS understand that there is a need to increase provision in the towns.


• The police-to-population ratio for Queensland at 30 June 2010 was 1:434

Includes: Emergency services (Fire, Police, Ambulance and State Emergency Services), Court houses,

Police stations, Correctional institutions (prisons, youth detention centres, half way houses, etc.),

Community legal services and Legal Aid, Human rights services, Crime prevention services and

activities (Neighbourhood Watch, etc)., Community dispute resolution services.


• “Population ratio is not the only indicator of the provision of effective policing.

Different districts have different policing needs. Police managers are aware of this

and allocate resourcing accordingly.” “The Queensland Police Service continually

reviews the allocation of police staffing resources across the state as part of its

annual planning and budgetary processes. Rather than relying on one factor, such as

the local police-population ration, such reviews include assessments of demographic

factors, crime trends, local policing initiatives, historical demand for service and local

policing initiatives.”

• Central Region: Gladstone (1:492), Longreach (1:231), Mackay (1:573), Rockhampton

(1:470)

(Source: Question on Notice, No.2160, asked on 27 October 2010, Queensland Parliament, 2010

accessed 3 March 2011, www.parliament.qld.gov.au )

Blackwater Ambulance

Resourcing Anecdotally the current resourcing is identified as:

• 2 crews and 2 ambulance

• Provide patient transport services to Emerald

• Assisted by St Johns ambulance on occasion (first aid service through the region currently a

lack of volunteers - St Johns has 9 members)


Consultation with Department of Community Safety indicates that service provision, like

facility provision follows rather than dictates population growth and development. The

location and scale of emergency service facilities is determined by a number of factors,

including:

- The type of community (urban, rural or isolated);

- Service delivery demand (number of incidents per day);

- The demographic characteristics of the community;

- Ready accessibility to and egress from major roadways;

- Response time profiling and risk profiling of the community; and

- In the case of ambulance stations demand can be impacted on by the presence

of health facilities, aged persons accommodation and high risk industries.

• SEQRP 2005-2026 Implementation Guideline No. 5 provides specific guidance

regarding DCS infrastructure needs for QFRS & QAS.

• Additionally, when UDA projects such as Blackwater & Moranbah are identified for

State interest review DCS considers any further project impacts at that stage.

(Source: Department of Community Safety)

Other Legal and Public Safety Service Providers

In addition to the above services, the following services cater to the Blackwater community. It should be




Emergency services (Fire, Police,

Ambulance and State Emergency

Services)

St Johns Ambulance

Correctional Institutions (prisons,

youth detention centres, half way

houses, etc.)

Community legal services and Legal

Aid Anglicare Central Qld Ltd, Legal Aid Qld

Human rights services

Crime prevention services and

activities (Neighbourhood Watch,

etc.)

Blackwater Police Station



Community dispute resolution

services Blackwater Police Station



Stakeholders indicate that emergency services work well together, are very active in, and provide a range

of services to, the remote community. Stakeholders also suggest that they may be understaffed. The

Blackwater PCYC indicated that there needs to be additional services directed at crime prevention and

drunk/disorderly behaviour. St Johns ambulance has difficulty finding volunteers to assist.

The perception of crime in Blackwater has reduced over the last 12 months but is still considerably high

when compared to surrounding townships. The rate of reported offences against the person is higher in

Blackwater than the Queensland average, however offences to property are considerably lower than

average (CSMR;2010).

Legal and Public

Safety Facilities

and Services


Emergency

Services

Difficulty in attracting emergency services staff to locate

to the town. Lack of and cost of housing makes it

extremely difficult to source accommodation for

officers.

QPS Officers don’t apply to move to the town and need

to be forced to relocate; as such QPS has to provide

them with housing.

QPS Officers are leaving the service and taking jobs with

the mines for more money.

Traffic enforcement is the biggest demand issue and a

high priority for QPS with a range of issues and

challenges including:

- Fatigue and road safety (increase in

accidents)

- Speeding, drink driving

- Movement of wide-loads (requires both

police cars to escort and leaves the towns

undersupplied and vulnerable due to

remoteness)

Police are in need of additional police vehicles to

supplement those required to escort wide-loads, a

direct result of the resources sector.

Other service challenges for QPS are associated within:

- alcohol and domestic violence

- costs to upgrade radio network ‘blackspots’

created when new mines develop or are

expanded.

Community perception of crime is high in Blackwater,

this is supported to a degree by statistics which indicate

that the rate of reported offences against the person is

higher in Blackwater than the Queensland average.

(BMA, CSMR;2010)

• ULDA to work with housing providers

and mines to address shortage and

costs of housing generally and in

particular as it relates to housing for

emergency services staff.

• Land use planning implications to

cater for any potential upgrade and

expansion of existing emergency

services infrastructure should be

considered.

• QPS are currently working with the

mines on driver education programs.


Legal and Public

Safety Facilities

and Services


Volunteers St Johns Ambulance service is in need of volunteers,

which it find hard to recruit due to shift work patterns.





issue topics such as work patterns and

the adverse effects of DIDO/FIFO work

forces.

Sources:

• A Sustainable Futures Framework for Queensland Mining Towns; Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport &

Recreation. Queensland Government. 2009. Accessed March 8, 2011.



responsibility in Mining, The University of Queensland, Australia.




Transport Infrastructure and Services

Facilities

There are no comparative rates of provision for transport facilities. Blackwater has minimal transport

service options which are identified in the following section.


Transport service providers

The following provides the only community transport service identified in Blackwater. It should be noted

that there may be other services and providers who have not responded to a survey for this project.



Public transport (public and private

operators of trains, buses and

ferries)

PCYC (private bus)

Taxies (including disability access

vehicles) Blackwater Taxi Service

Community agency vehicles

Community car pooling

Gaps and future challenges identified for transport infrastructure and

service

Provision of transport services and infrastructure in Blackwater is extremely lacking. There is reportedly

no public transport including buses and taxis and it is exceptionally difficult to move around without a

private vehicle, particularly for people with disabilities.

A stakeholder reported that the Blackwater Airport, which used to provide for Qantaslink commercial

flights, recently closed and has sent Blackwater “back to the 20th

century”. It is now only accessible for

RFDA use.

Transport

Facilities and

Services


Transport Overall there is very little in the way of transport

infrastructure and services in Blackwater, an obvious

gap in provision for the community. Distances from

services and lack of public transport is affecting service

provider’s ability to attract staff and access clients.

Roads deteriorated during floods and have become

more dangerous.

• The integration of opportunities for

accessible public transport should be

considered in the development of the

UDA.

• The maintenance and roads is the

responsibility of the authority

responsible for the road.

Sources:



Includes: Public transport (public and private operators of trains, buses, ferries), Taxis (incl.

disability access vehicles), Community agency vehicles, and Community car pooling.


4.0 Potential Future Requirement Considerations

4.1 Population Forecasts and potential implications

Moranbah

The Moranbah Retail and Commercial Assessment (MRCA) report was commissioned by the ULDA and

prepared by MacroPlan Pty Ltd to provide important information to inform the Moranbah UDA

development plan. The commissioned work included an analysis and estimate of future population

growth within Moranbah which considered both the permanent as well as temporary resident

populations projected out to 2031.

Moranbah UDA Preferred Growth Area

The MacroPlan population projections take into the account a large area to the south west of the

township, identified in the draft Structure Plan for the development the Moranbah UDA, as a preferred

growth area which provides “opportunity to accommodate the expanding permanent and temporary

resident populations of Moranbah” (p18).

The table below, provided in the MRCA report, indicates that the “designated Urban Development Area in

Moranbah is expected to result in a significant increase to the townships current population”, and that

the “non-resident population of Moranbah is also expected to increase over time based on planned future

resource projects within the region surrounding the town” (MacroPlan, 2011:22).

Population Projections Moranbah 2010-2031

Source: Moranbah Retail and Commercial Assessment report; MacroPlan Pty Ltd, 2011: 22.

Potential additional gaps in facilities based on projected population forecasting The significant growth rate forecast for Moranbah will have a considerable impact on service and facility

requirement for the township. A one-dimensional calculation of predicted demand based solely on the

existing comparative rates of provision provided in Implementation Guideline No.5 suggests that moving

towards 2031, beyond the current gaps identified, there may potentially be additional need for the

following facilities to adequately cater for the projected population of Moranbah. This does not take into

account service requirements.

• A primary school; and

• Additional child care centres.

Blackwater

Population projections for Blackwater have been drawn from existing data provided by the OESR and

PIFU. The population of Blackwater is projected to grow from 6,767 in 2010 to approximately 7,500 in

2031.


Blackwater population estimates 2010 and 2031

2010 estimated population 2031 projected population

Indicative

population

estimates

FTE 6,750 7,500

Source: Approx. 5500 residents and 1250

non-resident workers

(OESR Bowen Basin Report 2010)

PIFU medium series based on 2006 Census and

2008 LGIS Small Communities Study

Future growth in non-resident workers may be additional to the population estimates above, dependent

on resource industry activity in the surrounding area. Additional capacity has been provided for non-

resident workers accommodation within the allocation of residential land in the Blackwater Development

Scheme. There is not a full understanding of the demand on services associated with non-resident

workers residing in mining camps and villages, due to the variation in services, facilities and recreation

options offered in different single person quarters (SPQs) and villages, and many of the needs of non-

resident workers are met in their home communities. However, available information and research on

this tends to suggest that the demand for infrastructure and services in the non-resident worker

employment location includes medical services and 24/7 recreation facilities.

Potential additional gaps in facilities based on projected population forecasting The forecasted population growth rate for Blackwater is predicted to be around 11% between 2010 and

2031. A one-dimensional calculation of predicted demand based solely on the existing comparative rates

of provision provided in Implementation Guideline No.5 suggested that moving towards 2031, beyond the

current gaps identified, there may potentially be additional need for the following facilities to adequately

cater for the projected permanent population of Blackwater. This does not take into account service

requirements.

• Additional child care facilities including kindergarten/ pre-schooling and after school care;

• Potential need for multi-purpose community centre incorporating additional community

meeting spaces.


5.0 Population and Provision Considerations

5.1 Estimated Resident and Non-resident Worker Population The estimated resident population of Blackwater and Moranbah, in 2009, was 5,420 and 8,326 persons,

respectively.

From 2001 to 2010, Blackwater experienced minimal population growth, while Moranbah’s population

increased by 2,173 persons during the same period, exceeding Queensland’s growth rate by 12.24%.

Estimated Resident Population

Locality Estimated Resident Population 2001-2009p* 2010** Growth Rate

2001 2006 2007r 2008r 2009p 2010e no. %

Blackwater 4,762 5,381 5,246 5,161 5,420 5,519 757 15.89

Moranbah 6,338 7,607 7,847 8,111 8,326 8,511 2,173 34.28

Queensland 3,628,946 4,090,908 4,195,981 4,308,570 4,425,103 - 796,157 21.94

p – preliminary, r – revised, e - estimated

Source: *ABS Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2009, **Bowen Basin Report, 2011, OESR

In addition to the revised estimate resident population in 2010 above, the Bowen Basin Report, 2011,

recently issued by the OESR, provided estimated full time equivalent (FTE) populations for both towns.

Full time Equivalent Population estimates, June 2010

Locality Resident

population

(estimated)*

Non-resident

workers**

FTE population

estimate

Non-resident

workers as % of

FTE population

Blackwater 5,519e 1,248 6,767 18

Moranbah 8,511e 2,931 11,442 26

e – estimated, * OESR unpublished, 2010, **OESR, Survey of accommodation providers, 2010

Source: Bowen Basin Report, 2011, OESR

The above data indicates that a considerably high proportion of the FTE population in Blackwater, and

particularly Moranbah, is comprised of non-resident workers, whose use and need for service and

facilities, as discussed previously, can vary greatly to that of the resident population.

5.2 Age Profile The age profile of Blackwater and Moranbah in 2006 was comparable, as below, with the highest

proportion of the population in the 25 to 44 year age group. Compared to Queensland, Blackwater and

Moranbah had a greater proportion of children aged 0 to 14 years and less proportion of people aged 65

years plus.

Services and facilities specific to the needs of children aged 0 to 14 years (such as childcare and preschool)

and parents, and adults aged 25 to 44 will need to be considered in Blackwater and Moranbah.


Age profile, Blackwater and Moranbah, 2006 (ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing)

5.3 Gender Profile In 2006, there were a greater proportion of females in Blackwater and Moranbah aged 0 to nine and 75

plus, while the proportion of males aged 40 years and above superseded the proportion of females .

Services and facilities specific to the needs of females aged 0 to nine years, and males 40 years and above

in Blackwater and Moranbah may need to be considered.


Gender Profile by Age, Blackwater, 2006 (ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing)

Gender Profile by Age, Moranbah, 2006 (ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing)


5.4 Historical Population Patterns To understand how the profile of the projected population may look, a review and comparisons of two

lots of data was undertaken: usual resident population of Blackwater and Moranbah, 2001 to 2006; and

the estimated resident population of Central Highlands – Duaringa and Isaac – Belyando, 2004 to 2009.

Within Blackwater and Central Highlands – Duaringa, there was a decrease in the proportion of children

aged 0 to 9 years, and an overall increase in proportion of residents aged 50 years and above.

The decrease in proportion of children and increase in proportion of elderly residents, as indicated in the

following graphs, may be due to the relatively stable population. As a result, facilities and services for

elderly residents may need to be considered.

Conversely, in Moranbah and Isaac – Belyando there was an overall increase in the proportion of

residents aged 0 to 44 years, with the main increases occurring in the 0 to 4 and 25 to 39 year age groups,

and a decrease in the proportion of residents aged 70 years and above.

This change in population age profile can be assumed to be attributed to an in-migration of young families

and working adults, and outmigration of the elderly. Subsequently, facilities and services for children and

young families and adults will need to be considered.

Population by Age, Blackwater, 2001-2006 (ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing)


Estimated Resident Population by Age, Central Highlands (R) – Duaringa, 2004-2009 (ABS Population by

Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2009)

Figure 1: Population by Age, Moranbah, 2001-2006 (ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing)


Figure 2: Estimated Resident Population by Age, Isaac (R) - Belyando, 2004-2009 (ABS Population by Age

and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2009)


5.5 Indigenous Population The proportion of Indigenous persons in Blackwater (3.8%) was comparable to Queensland (3.3%),

whereas Moranbah had half the proportion of Indigenous persons (1.9%)

Services and facilities specific to the needs of the Indigenous population in Blackwater may need to be

considered.

Indigenous Status, Blackwater and Moranbah, 2006


no. % no. % no. %

Indigenous 189 3.76 134 1.88 127,580 3.27

Non-Indigenous 4,304 85.57 6,447 90.40 3552041 90.97

Indigenous status not stated 537 10.68 551 7.73 224910 5.76

Total 5,030 100 7132 100 3904531 100


5.6 Income, Voluntary Work and Unpaid Childcare

Compared to the Queensland average, in 2006, a greater proportion of the population within both

Blackwater and Moranbah:

• earned less than $150 per week, and

• earned $1,000 or more per week.

There were also lesser percentages of people whose weekly income sat in the middle brackets when

compared to the state average.

This income disparity indicates population groupings of ‘haves’ and ‘have not’s within the community

which can impact on access to services and quality of life as well as other community dynamics.

Weekly Income, Blackwater and Moranbah, 2006


no. % no. % no. %

Negative/Nil income 272 8.54 397 8.55 197,287 7.01

$1-$149 276 8.66 462 9.95 205,719 7.31

$150-$249 182 5.71 234 5.04 415,005 14.74

$250-$399 243 7.63 291 6.27 412,998 14.67

$400-$599 307 9.64 471 10.15 461,288 16.39

$600-$799 209 6.56 266 5.73 353,111 12.55

$800-$999 197 6.18 267 5.75 249,072 8.85

$1,000-$1,299 328 10.30 376 8.10 242,608 8.62

$1,300-$1,599 297 9.32 365 7.86 120,183 4.27

$1,600-$1,999 371 11.64 532 11.46 68,920 2.45

$2,000 or more 504 15.82 981 21.13 88,509 3.14

Total 3,186 100 4,642 100 2,814,700 100



In 2006, there was a greater proportion of the Blackwater and Moranbah population participating in

voluntary work for an organisation or group compared to Queensland.

Voluntary Work for and Organisation or Group, Blackwater and Moranbah, 2006


no. % no. % no. %

Volunteer 747 20.10 1,197 22.98 568,230 18.34

Not a volunteer 2,472 66.51 3,475 66.72 2,233,197 72.09

Not stated 498 13.40 536 10.29 296,569 9.57

Total 3,717 100 5,208 100 3,097,996 100


In 2006, a high proportion of parents in Blackwater (79%) and Moranbah (82%) undertook unpaid

childcare compared to Queensland (71%). However, less proportion of the Blackwater and Moranbah

population undertook unpaid childcare of ‘Other child/children only’ compared to Queensland.

Therefore, families where both parents are in the workforce, without access free childcare, may place

pressure on the existing childcare services, particularly in Moranbah.

Unpaid Childcare, Blackwater and Moranbah, 2006


no. % no. % no. %

Own child/children only 967 79 1,579 82 623,454 71

Other child/children only 201 16 275 14 215,171 25

Own child/children and other child/children 58 5 67 3 34,190 4

Total 1,226 100 1,921 100 872,815 100



6.0 Conclusions

Experience has shown that, while boosting local and regional economies, major mining and petroleum

developments can place significant pressure on social infrastructure, such as family support services,

health services and child care, and increase the costs of living in relation to housing affordability and

availability and economic diversity. Ongoing expansions and developments within the sector, running

concurrently and at different times creates complexities in determining how to adequately cater for the

surrounding communities.

Irregular population fluctuations created by developments in the resources sector and the unique

employment patterns relating to contract workers and FIFO/DIDO can result in issues associated with

community cohesion and capacity. There is an understood need for social investment into these

communities to adapt to change and manage the effects brought on by the resources sector and it is

often in the service and capacity building area where social infrastructure needs are highest.

Mining companies usually have a commitment to corporate social responsibility as part of their ‘social

license to operate’, and are keen to invest in local communities, providing important opportunities to

meet infrastructure needs. In the past, investments have tended to be in new facilities such as sports

facilities, swimming pools, libraries and other visible forms of investment. The lifelong costs of such

investments need to be considered to ensure that the community has the capacity to sustain the

operation and maintenance of these facilities, which can become a financial burden rather than a benefit.

Investments, particularly through resource company grants and donations programs, can also be

uncoordinated and not necessarily directed toward the areas of highest need.

In addition to investment in the tangible aspects of community, cultural and social infrastructure, there is

a need for more strategic investments in communities directed at building community capacity and

managing the social impacts of change. This can include investments in community development staff,

strengthening the capacity building of existing organisations (increased staff, business skills and other

inputs), facilitating economic diversity and sustainability through social and other enterprise

development, and augmenting existing services to meet increased demand (such as crisis care,

counselling and health). From the company perspective, the lifestyle that attaches to the place, including

the quality and range of social infrastructure, is a key factor in attracting workers to the area.

Challenges in Providing Social Infrastructure

� There may be pre-existing shortages and backlogs in social infrastructure in resource communities

from previous major projects;

� the communities may have limited capacity to plan strategically for social infrastructure

development;

� there may be demand for social infrastructure to offset the effects of downturns as well as boom

times, especially counselling, financial services and unemployment services;

� an influx of newcomers may mean that local people have difficulty accessing the facilities and

services they require, and that new residents need welcoming support to settle into the new

communities;

� the lifelong costs of infrastructure investments by resource companies need to be considered to

ensure that the community has the capacity to sustain the operation and maintenance of these

facilities, which can otherwise become a financial burden rather than a benefit;

� resident and non-resident workforces in resource communities have different needs. Many of the

needs of non-resident workforce are met in their home communities. Nevertheless the particular


needs of workers, e.g. 24/7 recreation facilities and 24 hour child care for shift working families, are

important to ensure stable, healthy communities;

� some of the issues associated with single male workforces in resource communities may be able to be

offset by adequate provision of appropriate facilities;

� infrastructure can contribute to the development of a stable, healthy workforce and community, and

integration between the two;

� assigning cost responsibility and securing adequate funds for social infrastructure is difficult; and

� it is particularly difficult to assess the cumulative impacts of development on the community in terms

of infrastructure requirements and their origin.

Types of Demand for Social Infrastructure

� There may be an unexpected demand for support services among both the existing population who

may be impacted by resource development, particularly the affordability of housing and living costs;

increased demand for emergency support for families who arrive ‘on spec’ looking for work, and

households displaced by rising housing costs; and families of workers who arrive without support

networks to assist them;

� service impacts of resource booms typically tend to focus on health, police, schools and childcare;

and,

� the range of social infrastructure required will span the diversity of cultures, income levels and ages

in a resource community.

Community Based Solutions

� It is seen as particularly important in resource communities that social infrastructure is provided

which supports the development of children, young people and the family unit;

� social infrastructure should be used to reinforce the unique character of particular towns and places

throughout a region, while providing a coherent regional network of facilities and services;

� there may be significant opportunity in a resource community to plan and provide social

infrastructure through partnerships and collaborative arrangements between government, industry,

educational and community organisations; and

� local residents need to be empowered to help design and deliver self-sufficient local services as the

region grows.

(Source: Andrea Young, (personal communication, 2011) and Plan C)


7.0 Supporting Information

7.1 Top 3 Moranbah

The Top 3 priority issues identified by stakeholders to be addressed in Moranbah have been broadly


Priority 1: Housing

Priority 2: Opportunities for more activities, particularly for young people.

Priority 3: Community Hub facility to provide accommodation for service providers and to

increase services available.

Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 and below

Survey Respondents

Hub facility for Community

Services Organisations

Affordable housing Cinema or similar activity

Increased social services to

integrate in the community

better

More processes that are

open to give people with a

disability a go

more training opportunities at

the local TAFE e.g. hospitality,

childcare

Affordable housing Affordable premises for

service groups

More government funding for

service organisations. it is a

misconception that because

we live in a very affluent

community that money is

easily attained

Cinema Restaurants Shopping centres

Affordable Housing

Land for family housing Restaurants and supermarket

choice

Affordable / subsidised

housing for the

service/health/community

sector

Better infrastructure for

youth in terms of

recreation, leisure facilities

and organised activities.

Workshop Participants

Crisis accommodation and

Affordable housing for single

parents, young people,

service workers, elderly,

apprentices, contractors,

community services sector

can’t afford to live in town

Community hub - Services

are disjointed, sometime

hard to find, services are

starting to work together,

MDSS starting to

collaborate between

services, need to get a

community hub. (If

community hub developed

on hospital grounds,

providing accommodation

for services that are more

allied towards medical,

psychology etc)

15-30yr age group social

opportunities, lots of social

issues, social life for the 18-

24yr olds, binge drinking, high

incomes, how to manage

money etc.

Crisis affordable housing

Community hub – additional

services, one stop shop,

agencies accommodation

(Council supports it but it

Youth services and activities

(BMA/ELAM funded youth

worker) Loss of Cinema (has

been sold to a company)



has to be on hospital

grounds)

Lack of quality food

Affordable housing

Community hub facility

Social

life/activities/cinema/restaura

nts

Good planning scheme

balancing economic/social

and environmental

Affordable housing

Activities for young people

Mobile pick-up/delivery

service for library to mining

camps

Art gallery – active

promotion and

development of

advertising/attracting wider

exhibition choices

Arts and cultural policy/

public arts strategy

Industry recognition and

ownership of impacts,

getting other big

stakeholders to share the

load. Getting industry

working together more and

collaborating on responses.

Housing

affordability/stability

Maintaining a sense of

community in mining

communities that will be here

in 30 years, that we stop

losing positions at school and

that the community is

sustainable.

7.2 Top 3 Blackwater The Top 3 priority issues identified by stakeholders to be addressed in Blackwater have been broadly


Priority 1: Housing

Priority 2: Childcare services and facilities

Priority 3: Increased opportunities for activities for young people and the broader community

including cultural activated and programs.


Survey respondents

Low income housing

Singles accommodation

Aged housing

A community service to help

people with a disability under

the age of 18 years.

Transport – including

wheelchair accessible

All ability playground

Full day childcare

Crime prevention directed at

disorderly/drunk behaviour

Affordable housing

Affordable housing

Childcare

Youth programs

All-purpose disabilities

playground

Childcare places

Improved car parking facilities

at the Blackwater North State

School

More community centres to

allow cultural activities to

develop

More affordable housing

more childcare places



Retirement village

Public transport

Affordable housing for families

Affordable family housing for

service workers who are not

directly employed by the mines

Family homes for the mine

workers to bring and keep

their families here

Removal of work-camp culture

Housing

Land – residential and

industrial

Social needs of non-mine

workers

Interviewees

Re-open airport

Hospital services

Housing – council and other

affordable housing

Clubs and social activities

Accommodation

Misconceptions about

temporary residents

Workshop Participants

More volunteers

More permanent residents

and families

Town to become a ’town’

instead of a camp – lacks a

heart and core and needs to be

beautified – better designed

mining camps

Early childcare facilities

Keep essential services in the

town

Mines to keep the community

alive.

More arts and cultural

development in the community

New hospital

More competitive shopping

More arts and culture not just

sport

Housing is the biggest issue

Lack of community pride,

people don’t care about the

appearance of the town, need

community development

programs

No pride from workers in town,

locals are left to pick up the

pieces, regular locals have

more pride.

Affordable housing for services,

allied health, transient, industry

workers

New hospital – long overdue –

with aged care units,

accommodation for allied

health facilities and practice

rooms

Aesthetic appeal, tidy the place

up, so much to offer

Building capacity/support for

business/something that is

identifiable as the core/hub in

the town

Housing – incentives to attract

workers is all based on cost of

housing, we used to have single

persons accommodation, and

Council housing is good.

Retaining the community –

seniors have to move on

because there is nowhere for

them to go in the town,

families leave and students go

to high school and tertiary

education elsewhere.

Independent living units for old

people should be developed in

the hospital

Beautification of recreation

spaces, making it more of a

hub where the community feel

they can get together

Cultural area – restore the old

art gallery in the cultural

centre, strong art values in the

town but nowhere to display

work.

Childcare, including longer day

care

Affordable accommodation

Aged care

Build things that create reasons

to live here and put down roots.

Aged care unit, including hostel

accommodation, assisted living,

ambulate care; building

families, nowhere to look after

aged relatives, they have to

Health – hospital and allied

health services, people need

to be confident that they can

receive 24hr care in the town

that they live in

A choice of services available to

people, shops cafes etc, the

opportunity to create your own

small business

Housing is critical



leave

Mining town which desires to

be a community

Services associated with this,

town is disjointed, no town

centre, needs some good

planning, start sorting stuff out

and things will improve, an

expectation that someone else

will do it.

Retaining families, too many

people leave no one to work in

shops

Marketing of town’s assets e.g.

fossilised tree taken to

Newcastle

Getting people to work

together, progress groups,

miners and Council.


7.3 Facility Mapping

Stakeholder consultation, desktop research and mapping undertaken have identified the following

existing social, cultural and community facilities operating within each township.


Moranbah


Tag Facility Service

Culture, Community , Recreation

1 Moranbah Horse Race Club

2 Moranbah Rodeo Association

3 Moranbah Off Road Club

4 Moranbah Pistol club

5 Haulin’ RCCC Inc.

6 Moranbah Speedway Association

7 Moranbah Campdrafters

8 Moranbah Pony Club

9 Greg Cruickshank Aquatic Centre

Moranbah Highlanders

Swimming Club

Aqua Fitness

10 Moranbah Masonic Lodge

11 Uniting Church

12 Rotary Club of Moranbah

13 Bridge Club

14 Moranbah Neighbourhood Centre

15 Anglican Church

16 Moranbah RSL Club

17 Moranbah Community Workers Club

18 Moranbah Boxing and Sporting Club Inc.

19 Guides Australia

20 Moranbah State Library Mothergoose Reading Time

Book Discussion Group

21 Moranbah Bowls Club

22 Moranbah Golf Club

23

Moranbah Worker’s Squash and

Volleyball

24

Moranbah Hawks Junior Soccer

Federation

25 Moranbah Hockey Association


26 Moranbah Tennis Association

27 Scouts Moranbah

28 Uniting Church

29 Eastern Sports Complex

Gymnastics Moranbah Inc.,

Moranbah Touch Association,

Moranbah Aussie Rules

Association

Moranbah Netball Association

30 BMX Club

31 Moranbah Minor Rugby League

32 Oasis Life Church

33 Moranbah Traders Association

34 Moranbah Tennis Courts

Community Development

1 Salvation Army Community Services

Centre

2 Moranbah Community Centre Moranbah Dance Centre

Dance 101

3 Radio 4RFM

4 Queensland Country Women’s

Association

5 Lifeline Community Care

6 Big Blue Shed

Legal and Safety

1 Moranbah SES

2 Moranbah Police Station

3 Moranbah Fire Brigade

4 Moranbah Court House

5 Moranbah Ambulance Station

6 Centacare

7

Moranbah North Mine Town Housing

Administration


Family Support Services

1 Moranbah Youth Centre

Gentle Craft Group, Moranbah

Dance Association, Moranbah

Line Dancer

Tang Soo Do

2 Simple Sunshine Childcare Centre

3 Moranbah Kindergarten Moranbah Kindergarten and

Pre-School

4 Moranbah District Support Services

5 Moranbah Community Health Centre Best Beginning Parent Group

Positive Parenting Program

6 Altitude Child Care Centre

Education

1 Moranbah TAFE

2 Advantage Business College

3 Moranbah State School

4 Moranbah State High School

5 Moranbah Preschool

Health

1 Central Highlands Dental Surgery

2 Moranbah Medical Centre

3 Australian Breast Feeding Association

4 Gryhan Psychology

5 Moranbah Hospital

Moranbah Community Health

Centre

Respite Centre

Youth Mental Health

Antenatal Classes

Moranbah Diabetic Group

Hinterland Community Care

Pioneer Employment Service

6 Hinterland Community Care

Housing

1 Emergency and Long Term

Accommodation Town Square

2 Moranbah North Mine Town Housing

Administration 2 Ney Street, Moranbah


Blackwater



Culture, Community, Recreation

1 Golf Course

2 Blackwater Country Club Squash Courts

Blackwater Junior Rugby League I nc

3 Coal City Christian Church Blackwater Resurrection Life Centre

– Assembly of God

4 Aquatic Centre

5 Blackwater Tennis Association Inc

6 Blackwater Rodeo Association Inc

7 Japanese Garden & Tourist

Information Centre

8 Blackwater Library

9 Baptist Church

10 Uniting Church

11 Mary Immaculate Catholic Church

12 Blackwater & District Rugby

League Football Club

13 Blackwater Little Athletics

14 Saint Stephan’s Anglican Church

15 Masonic Lodge

16 Kingdom of Jehovah’s Witnesses

17 Redeemer Lutheran Church

18 Central Highlands Christian

Outreach Centre

19 Salvation Army

20 Scouts

21 Tallawarra Clay Target Club

22 Blackwater Sports

23 Blackwater Art Gallery

Community Development

1 Blackwater International Coal

Centre

2 Anglican – Community Centre

3 QCWA Blackwater Branch

4 Blackwater Community Progress

Group

5 Blackwater Civic Centre


Legal

1 State Emergency Service (SES)

Blackwater

2 Blackwater Police Station

Family

1 Jelly Babies Playground

2 Anglicare Central QLD LTD

3 C & K Blackwater Community Child

Care Centre

4 Blackwater Police Citizens Youth

Club

5 Department of Communities –

Disability Service QLD

6 Toddler Time

7 Miner’s Club

8 Centacare Blackwater

Education

1 Blackwater Pre-school

2 CQ Tafe Blackwater Campus

3 Open Learning Cent re

4 Blackwater State School

5 Blackwater North State School

Health

1 Blackwater Hospital

Blackwater Child Health

Blackwater Health Care Centre

Well Women’s Health

Blackwater Auxiliary

2 North Blackwater General Practice

3 Bidgerdii Community Health

Service

4 Blackwater Health Care Centre

DRAFT Social, Cultural and Community Infrastructure Analysis for the towns of Blackwater and Moranbah V1.2 86/94

7.4 Population categories

Non-resident workers are defined by the OESR as:

“Employees of mining companies, contractors and construction workers, who live in an area for

extended periods when working, but have a permanent place of residence in another area. This

group includes workers engaged in FIFO (fly in/fly out) arrangements and who live locally in non-

private dwellings such as Single Persons Quarter’s, hotels, motels, caravan parks and other forms of

accommodation while on-shift. Although many non-resident workers may actually spend a total of

more than six months of the year in their area of work, they are generally not regarded as being

residents by the ABS and are omitted from estimates of the resident population”. (p38) (NB: Non-

resident workers do not meet the ABS criteria for a ‘usual resident’ of the area where they work,

and so are not included in the area’s official resident population estimate. (p2))

Fly in/fly out and drive in/drive out (FIFO/DIDO) operations in 24 hour mining operations generally

consist of rotating shifts, usually 12 hours in duration, during which time one team sleeps while the other

team works. The duration of stay can vary depending on the operation, seven days on and four days off

can also be a common arrangement. It has been anecdotally reported during consultation in Blackwater

that workers will rotate on a seven days on/seven days off period.

FIFO and DIDO workers generally “live for an extended period in an area removed from their usual place

of residence while on-shift and commute by air or road between home and place of work”. (p37) In the

Bowen Basin in 2010, 85% of worker accommodation is provided in Single Persons Quarter’s (SPQ’s).

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) population A measure derived by PIFU that approximates the total population living in an area at a given point in

time, as applied to the nine pre-amalgamated local government areas of the Bowen Basin. The FTE is

based on two components – a survey of accommodation providers that counts the number of non-

resident workers and the resident population component estimated to be present in the area at the time

of the survey. (OESR, 2011:36)

Non-resident worker accommodation is described in several ways depending on the particular type.

The most common form within the region is the Single Persons Quarters’ of SPQ’s.

SPQ’s are described as “a particular type of non-private accommodation, usually provided to

accommodate unaccompanied non-resident workers of mining companies and associated contractors.

SPQ accommodation is typically a form of hostel that usually consists of demountable dwellings arranged

in a large camp, although some establishments also contain permanent and semipermanent dwellings.

SPQ accommodation is arranged with common messing, laundry and entertainment facilities and rooms

that are cleaned and serviced by the operator. Occupants of SPQs are usually provided with all meals.”

(OESR, 2011:39)

In Blackwater and Moranbah, SPQ’s are provided both on-site at several mining operations, and in some

cases within the boundaries of the towns. There is evidence; both from the OESR and anecdotally that

ongoing demand for SPQ’s in the region is high.


8.0 References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Social Trends; ‘Towns of the Mineral Boom’

Australian Bureau of Statistics; 2008.Accessed March 8, 2011.

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Lookup/E48FAEDF31BE0196CA25748E00124374


Moranbah Retail and Commercial Assessment, MacroPlan Pty Ltd, March 2011

“Models of health service delivery in remote or isolated areas of Queensland: a multiple case study:

research paper.” Birks et al. n.d. Journal of Advanced Nursing 28 (1): 25-34

Coalfields Community Services Hub Proposal. 2007. Moranbah District Support Services on behalf of the

Regional Community Hub Steering Committee. Accessed March 8, 2007.

Demographic analysis of the Bowen Basin Region. 2010. Office of Economic and Statistical Research,

Queensland Treasury. Accessed March 8, 2011.

http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/publications/demographic-analysis-bowen-basin-

2010/demographic-analysis-bowen-basin-2010.pdf

Housing market dynamics in resource boom towns Haslam, F.H., Phillips, R., Rowley, S., Brereton, D.,

Birdsall-Jones, C. 2009.. Accessed March 8, 2011.

www.ahuri.edu.au/publications/download/80370_fr

Central Highlands Regional Council - 2008 Survey of Residents Hanley, C. 2009.. Central Queensland

University: Australia.

Jones, P., May, J., Creighton, A. 2008. Chapter 7: Health Service Models. “Australian Rural Health

Education Network.” 1 (1): 105-122. Accessed February 16, 2011

http://www.arhen.org.au/publications/docs/textbook/chap7.pdf

“Sustainable Regional Development in the Bowen Basin; a strategic issues paper.” Miles, R.L. and Kinnear,

S. 2008. Central Queensland University. Accessed March 8, 2011

http://www.minerals.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/040809/Bowen%20Basin%20Strategic%20Issues%20

Paper_Final%20Version_13309.pdf

Regional Community Services Hub Feasibility Study (for Moranbah and District Support Services). Pacific

Southwest Strategy Group. 2009. Accessed March 8, 2011

The Impact of Coal Mining Expansion on Moranbah and the Associated Community (The Development of

Moranbah: Stakeholder Analysis) Petkova-Timmer, V., Lockie, S., Rolfe, J. 2007.

“Mining Developments and Social Impacts on Communities: Bowen Basin Case Studies”, Petkova,

Vanessa., Lockie, Stewart., Rolfe, John., Vanova, Galina. 2009. Rural Society 19 (3): 211-228.

Queensland Department of Education and Training Teachers. 2010. Certified Agreement 2010.

Accessed March 8, 2010. http://www.qtu.asn.au/det_teachers_ca2010.pdf

“A Sustainable Futures Framework for Queensland Mining Towns; Department of Local Government,

Planning, Sport & Recreation.” Queensland Government. 2009. Accessed March 8, 2011.


“Sustainable Resources Communities Partnership Agreement.” Queensland Government, 2008. Accessed

March 8, 2008.


http://www.minerals.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/040809/Bowen%20Basin%20Strategic%20Issues%20

Paper_Final%20Version_13309.pdf

Queensland Schools Key Statistics in Brief 2009 Update, Queensland Teachers’ Union. 2009. Accessed

March 8, 2011. http://www.qtu.asn.au/cbui.pdf

Assessing the Social and Economic Impacts of Coal Mining on Communities in the Bowen Basin: Summary

and Recommendations (Socio-economic impact assessment and community engagement to reduce conflict

over mine operations research reports). Rolfe, J., Ivanova, G., Lockie, S., 2006.

Report on Government Services 2010, SCRGSP (Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service

Provision). 2010. South Australia Police 2008, Annual Report 2008-09. Productivity Commission: Canberra.

Bowen Abbot Point Accommodation and Community Infrastructure Study, SGS Economics and Planning,

2011.

Coordinated Human Services Investment in Greenfield Sites – Executive Summary , Wyeth Planning

Services & 99 Consulting. 2009...

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance: Caval Ridge Coal Mine Project – Environmental Impact Statement (Social

Impact Assessment); N.D.

BHP Billiton: Cannington Life Extension Project – Environmental Impact Assessment (Social Impact

Assessment);

http://www.bhpbilliton.com/bbContentRepository/docs/canningtonLepEisSection49Social.pdf

Accessed March, 2011

Report of a Social Facilities Infrastructure Audit of the Mackay Whitsunday Region, A publication of the

Social Sector Reference Group of the Whitsunday Hinterland and Mackay (WHAM) Regional Plan,

September 2008

Our Place – Our Future Blackwater, Central Highlands Regional Council, Draft January 2010.

Question on Notice, No.2160, asked on 27 October 2010, Queensland Parliament, 2010 accessed 3 March

2011, www.parliament.qld.gov.au )

Blackwater State School Annual Report 2009 http://www.blackwatss.eq.edu.au/Notes/annual.pdf


Blackwater North State School Annual report 2009

http://www.blacnortss.eq.edu.au/report/SchoolReport2009.pdf accessed 17 March 2011.

Blackwater State High School Annual report 2009 http://blackwatershs.eq.edu.au/annualreport.pdf


Moranbah State School Annual Report 2009 http://moranbahss.eq.edu.au/school-reports/annual.pdf


Moranbah East State School Annual Report 2009 http://moranbaess.eq.edu.au/school-report/annual.pdf


Moranbah State high School Annual report 2009 http://moranbahshs.eq.edu.au/school-

reports/annual.pdf access 17 March 2011.

Unpublished and confidential:


Baseline Socio-Economic Assessments Framework. BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA); Centre for

Social responsibility in Mining; University of Queensland, Revised December 2010.

Baseline Socio-Economic Assessments Framework – supporting documentation. BHP Billiton Mitsubishi

Alliance (BMA); Centre for Social responsibility in Mining; University of Queensland, February, 2011.


9.0 Appendix

9.1 Information Sheet


Blackwater and Moranbah Urban Development Areas

Help us better understand social, cultural and community needs in Blackwater and Moranbah

Blackwater and Moranbah Urban Development Areas (UDAs) In July 2010, Urban Development Areas (UDAs) were declared in both Blackwater and Moranbah which means the Urban Land Development Authority is now responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating the development of land within the UDA, and to apply world class sustainability and urban design principles to planning and development within the declared areas. The Blackwater UDA is a 150 hectare area encompassing the entire town north of the Capricorn Highway. The Moranbah UDA is a 1218 hectare area made up of a number of different sites within the existing Moranbah town and a large site to the west of Goonyella Road.

ULDA Role The focus of the ULDA’s role will be to respond to housing pressures expected from the ongoing growth in the resources sector and to facilitate the provision of infrastructure and services within the UDAs. To properly inform this planning, accurate baseline information of the communities’ existing and future demand for social, cultural and community infrastructure and services across both townships is required. Your assistance and feedback is vital in the future planning of these towns.

About this project The Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) is undertaking a Social, Cultural and Community Infrastructure Analysis Project in Blackwater and Moranbah. The purpose of this consultation program is to engage with social, cultural and community organisations and services based in these townships to inform groups of the project and to gather information to assist in ongoing facility and services planning. The ULDA has engaged social planning consultants Plan C to assist with this project. The project team is currently gathering baseline information on service and facility provision within Blackwater and Moranbah necessary to assist in understanding and planning for the potential impacts of population growth within the towns. Through a review of existing community, cultural and social service and facility provision, this project aims to determine current gaps in provision of infrastructure and services and to determine the potential future demands on, and land and planning requirements for service and facility providers.

How to be involved There are a number of ways of being involved as outlined below.

• Online survey – complete the online survey by the 12th

February 2011 by clicking on the following link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ULDAblackwaterandmoranbah. It would be appreciated if anyone interested in attending a workshop could complete an online survey prior to the workshop to enable the team to better understand issues and opportunities.

• Attend a workshop – the ULDA and Plan C are conducting workshops for interested groups at the following venues and times. Please RSVP by 11

th February via email to [email protected] or

call 07 3392 4277 if you are interested in attending a workshop.

for


Who Where When

Moranbah

Service and Facility providers, Community Groups

Moranbah Community Centre Batchelor Parade, Moranbah

Tuesday 15 February, 2011

• 10am-12pm

• 4pm-6pm

Council Officers, Councilors and State Agencies

Tuesday 15 February, 2011

• 1pm-3pm

Blackwater

Service and Facility Providers Community Groups

Blackwater Civic Centre 20 Blain Street, Blackwater

Thursday 17 February, 2011

• 10am-12pm

• 4pm-6pm

Council Officers, Councilors and State Agencies

Thursday 17 February, 2011

• 1pm-3pm

• Speak to a planner – contact Sonia Ryan or Alan Miljkovic on 07 3392 4277 or

[email protected] to find out more about the project and arrange a telephone interview. • Community groups with postal address only have been mailed a hard copy of the survey for the

project. If you have access to the internet, the survey can be completed and submitted on-line.

Use of information and further enquiries Feedback from this consultation phase will be collated for use in developing the Social, Community and Cultural Infrastructure Analysis Report, for Blackwater and Moranbah. Should you require it, the project brief for this component of work is available upon request. For further enquiries please contact Sonia Ryan or Alan Miljkovic at Plan C on (07) 3392 4277 or email [email protected]


9.2 Information Requests to the Resources Sector Subject: Request for Assistance: Blackwater and Moranbah Social, Cultural and Community Service and Facility analysis for the ULDA Dear Sir/Madam

In July 2010, Urban Development Areas (UDAs) were declared in both Blackwater and Moranbah which means the Urban Land Development Authority is now responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating the development of land within the UDA, and to apply world class sustainability and urban design principles to planning and development within the declared areas. The Blackwater UDA is a 150 hectare area encompassing the entire town north of the Capricorn Highway. The Moranbah UDA is a 1218 hectare area made up of a number of different sites within the existing Moranbah town and a large site to the west of Goonyella Road. The focus of the ULDA’s role will be to respond to housing pressures expected from the ongoing growth in the resources sector and to facilitate the provision of infrastructure and services within the UDAs. To properly inform this planning, accurate baseline information of the communities’ existing and future demand for social, cultural and community infrastructure and services across both townships is required. Your assistance and feedback is vital in the future planning of these towns. The ULDA has contracted Plan C to undertake a Social, Cultural and Community Service and Facility Analysis for both Blackwater and Moranbah. Plan C is now gathering baseline information on service and facility provision within Blackwater and Moranbah to assist in understanding and planning for the potential impacts of population growth within the towns. Through a review of existing community, cultural and social service and facility provision, this project aims to determine current gaps in provision of infrastructure and services and to determine the potential future demands on service and facility providers. How you can assist An important aspect of an accurate baseline description of the demand and provision of social, cultural and communities facilities across Blackwater and Moranbah is understanding current and projected population figures in order to determine how best to service and provide for the needs of the communities. The ULDA is seeking information in the following aspects:

• Indicative workforce increases and timelines for potential known expansions

• Estimates of the number of additional employees who might live within the communities of Blackwater or Moranbah

• Indicative numbers of workers camps residents

• Indicative location of workers camps Confidentiality Feedback from this consultation will be collated for use in developing the Social, Community and Cultural Infrastructure Analysis Report, for Blackwater and Moranbah. We understand that this company information may be commercial-in-confidence. Information provided will be used for analysis only and no identifying information will be written into the final report. Information will not be provided to any external agencies or companies and Plan C undertakes to destroy all sensitive information provided on proposed expansions or operations once it has been incorporated into the broader analysis. Plan C and the ULDA are willing to enter into confidentiality agreements, if requested.


To arrange an interview From the 14

th until the 18

th of February, 2011, the project team will be in Blackwater and

Moranbah. (We are also happy to arrange interviews in Brisbane if it is more suitable to your location.) If you prefer to meet during that time to discuss this information request, please contact Alan at Plan C on 07 3392 4277 or email [email protected] to arrange an interview. Your assistance with the information is appreciated.

For further information about this project or to discuss this request, please contact: Plan C Telephone: 07 3392 4277 Email: [email protected] www.planc.com.au

Documents

Moranbah and Blackwater - Defence Jobs Queensland home€¦ · Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 4/94 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Moranbah and Blackwater Blackwater, with