I asked that due consideration should be given that the SSRC Act should apply to, Capricorn Copper Mine, Lady Lorretta Mine and also Dugald River Mine who are all within the 125 klm radius of Mount Isa. 

I expressed my concern, as I have grown up in Mount Isa and I have seen many highs and down turns, but this is the first time I have seen Mount Isa and in general the North West is such a depressed state.  We have businesses closing, people leaving and that’s with commodity prices sky rocketing and more mines surrounding us than ever before, it’s alarming to say the least.

I have received confirmation from our State Government through the Coordinators General that the SSRC Act which was enacted by our Labor State Government will commence on the 30th March 2018 and while they are currently in consultation with councils, proponents, unions and key industry groups on an initial draft list, he can confirm that the draft list contains Capricorn Copper Mine, Lady Lorretta Mine and also Dugald River Mine as large resource projects, with Mount Isa a nearby regional community for all three mines.

The SSRC Act will prevent the use of 100 per cent fly-in, fly out (FIFO) workforce arrangements.  Amendments to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, also prevent discrimination against locals in the future recruitment of workers in these projects.  Under this Act it will be mandatory for these Mines to give preference to local people for employment.  It will also be mandatory to give local Contractors and Businesses a 15% leeway on goods and services before using out of town Businesses.

The big concern now is that theses mines and contract companies may make it difficult or try and find ways to get around this Act, i.e. Red Path’s roster for Lady Lorretta Mine being two weeks on, two weeks off, making it more ideal for FIFO rather than locals.

This is when we lobby our local State Member to campaign and ensure Mining Companies abide by the principles and ideals of this legislation and if need be, lobby for an amendment to this SSRC Act, so that towns and cities that are deemed nearby regional communities for a large resource mines have reasonable rosters for local employees.  It is also vital that our federal member also lobbies for rosters that are family friendly and health & safety conscious for all Australians.

This is tremendous news for Mount Isa, Cloncurry and North West Queensland.

Danielle Slade

Mount Isa

I read Ken Knuth's letter (Star, January 20) in defence of the Katter Australia Party's policy on the same sex marriage with interest.

My views on that issue have received fair coverage and most regular readers would know where I stand on that particular issue.

Opinions, as they say, are like belly buttons, everybody has one.

Mr Knuth, however, is not entitled to his own facts.  He says "There can be no argument that . . . Australia and the U.S. were founded on Christian values"

In fact section 116 of our Constitution and the 1st Amendment of the American constitution specifically precludes the establishment, support or prohibition of ANY religion.

And does he really believe the SSM vote was the first time "we have voted against the Holy Bible"?

Perhaps if we hadn't voted against polygamous marriages in Australia, we men could still enjoy the 700 wives and 300 concubines that  King Solomon ( First Kings 11:3) found the time to accumulate?

George Harley 

Mount Isa