Now major resource projects adjacent to nearby regional communities will no longer be able to employ 100 per cent FIFO workforces in Queensland.

Under the Act, large resource projects are those that have 100 or more workers and an environmental authority, and are located within a 125-kilometre radius of a nearby regional community with at least 200 residents.

State Development minister Cameron Dick said this would ensure locals have access to fair job opportunities and allows existing workers to reside in regional communities.

“Following an extensive consultation process, Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General has initially listed 61 large resource projects - including 43 coal, 15 mineral and three liquefied natural gas projects - and listed 230 nearby regional communities associated with these projects,” Mr Dick said.

“This means any project on the list currently operating with a 100 per cent FIFO workforce now has to transition its workforce to include recruitment of workers from nearby regional communities within six months.

“From March 30 2018 the large resource projects listed are also prohibited from discriminating against residents of nearby regional communities in the future recruitment of workers,” he said. 

“Central Queensland towns like Moranbah - which is a nearby regional community close to 25 large resource projects - will realise significant benefits, with locals having a fairer opportunity of securing employment under the new Act.”

Mr Dick said the new social impact assessment guideline for projects will also support local and regional resource communities.

“Project owners will have to demonstrate to the Coordinator-General that their workforce and supply chain arrangements provide opportunities to build strong and sustainable resource communities,” Mr Dick said. 

The social impact assessment guideline requires owners of future projects to engage with local communities and stakeholders and ensure that these communities benefit from the project through employment and business opportunities.

Project owners are also required to safeguard the health and well-being of communities.

“The commencement of this legislation is a great step forward in delivering positive social and economic outcomes for resource communities across Queensland,” Mr Dick said.