The Queensland Government has banned 100% FIFO workforces on large resource projects near regional communities.
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Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Bill would prohibit 100% FIFO for operational workforces and prohibit discrimination against local workers.
“The requirements affect large resource projects with 100 or more workers and an environmental authority within a 125km radius of a regional community with at least 200 residents,” Dr Lynham said.
“The Coordinator-General will administer the Bill and enforce compliance. This includes requiring proponents to produce a workforce management plan and setting approval conditions on these plans on projects where the 100% FIFO prohibition is contravened.”
The LNP says the government blocked their move to further strengthen the bill.
LNP Deputy Leader Deb Frecklington said Labor did not support two LNP amendments which would have mandated companies to consult with local communities within the local government area through the Social Impact Assessment process.
Also in parliament on Thursday Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter spoke about Dugald River accepting FIFO from Townsville if it cannot fill from Mount Isa and Cloncurry which he said was concerning.
“They say that the Ernest Henry mine in Cloncurry employs only about 30 per cent locals right now, even though it is just outside town,” Mr Katter said.
“Last month’s figures show that there is 40 per cent youth unemployment in the outback. That is evident also in Cloncurry. Some people in Townsville and Brisbane might celebrate when they get FIFO in those areas, but it takes from our towns.”