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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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 3/94
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 4/94
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 5/94
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 6/94
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)
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 7/94
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?
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 8/94
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 9/94
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 10/94
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 11/94
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 12/94
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 13/94
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 14/94
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 15/94
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
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 and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 16/94
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 17/94
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 18/94
Health
Facilities
and Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 19/94
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.
Moranbah FTE population estimate, June 2010
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
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.
³Population Projection Moranbah 2031; MRCA report; Macroplan 2011.
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 20/94
Services and benchmarks
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
Ownership Community based
Places offered Approximately 60 children
Waiting list Unknown
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).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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,
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 21/94
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
(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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 22/94
Family Support
Services Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
• 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.
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 23/94
Family Support
Services Gaps and Challenges Implications
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;
Queensland Government Office of Urban Management, Department of Infrastructure; June 2007.
• Bowen Basin Population Report, 2011, Office of Economic and Statistical, Research, Queensland Treasury.
• Moranbah Retail and Commercial Assessment, MacroPlan Pty Ltd, March 2011
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 24/94
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.
Moranbah FTE population estimate, June 2010
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
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.
³Population Projection Moranbah 2031; MRCA report; Macroplan 2011.
* Moranbah is located more than 50Km from the closest District Centre.
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 and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 25/94
Services and benchmarks
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
Benchmarks Not available
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
Benchmarks Not available
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.
Benchmarks Not available
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 26/94
Other Family Support Service Providers
In addition to the above services, the following services cater to the Moranbah 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).
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
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 27/94
Community
Development
Facilities and
Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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:
• 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;
Queensland Government Office of Urban Management, Department of Infrastructure; June 2007.
• Bowen Basin Population Report, 2011, Office of Economic and Statistical, Research, Queensland Treasury.
• Moranbah Retail and Commercial Assessment, MacroPlan Pty Ltd, March 2011
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 28/94
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.
Moranbah FTE population estimate, June 2010
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
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.
³Population Projection Moranbah 2031; MRCA report; Macroplan 2011.
* Moranbah is located more than 50Km from the closest District Centre.
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 and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 29/94
Moranbah East State School
Primary School Prep though to Year 7
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
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 27 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://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)
Capacity Currently easily services the current population - 84% capacity (2009)
DSS/Benchmarks
School Years Identified Student to teacher
ratio targets
Current provision Gaps
Year 8 -10, 28 students/teacher 20 students/teacher Nil
Year 11 & 12 25 students/teacher 15 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://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.
Services and benchmarks
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 30/94
Employees Unknown as issues with recruiting and retaining coordinators, presenters and teachers
in rural areas
Capacity Unable to service demand
DSS/Benchmarks No existing benchmarks identified.
Pioneer Employment Services
Service Offers skillshare programs and community education
Employees 3 employees, 15 clients
Capacity Adequately services demand
DSS/Benchmarks No existing benchmarks identified.
Other Education Service Providers
In addition to the above services, the following services cater to the Moranbah 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).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility 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
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 31/94
Education
Facilities and
Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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
infrastructure planning; South East Queensland
Regional Plan 2005-2026; Queensland
Government Office of Urban Management,
Department of Infrastructure; June 2007.
Sources:
• Petkova-Timmer, V., Lockie, S., Rolfe, J. 2007. 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.
• BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance: Caval Ridge Coal Mine Project – Environmental Impact Statement (Social Impact
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
• 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.
• Moranbah Retail and Commercial Assessment, MacroPlan Pty Ltd, March 2011
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 32/94
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.
Moranbah FTE population estimate, June 2010
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
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.
³Population Projection Moranbah 2031; MRCA report; Macroplan 2011.
* Moranbah is located more than 50Km from the closest District Centre.
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 33/94
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
DSS/Benchmarks 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
DSS/Benchmarks Unknown
Services and benchmarks
Other Cultural, Community and Recreation Service Providers
In addition to the above services, the following services cater to the Moranbah 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).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility 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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 34/94
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Gaps and future challenges identified for education services and facilities
Cultural,
Community and
Recreation
Facilities and
Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
Source: Implementation Guideline No.5 –
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 35/94
Cultural,
Community and
Recreation
Facilities and
Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
Social infrastructure planning; South East
Queensland Regional Plan 2005-2026;
Queensland Government Office of Urban
Management, Department of Infrastructure;
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
Register) August 2010
• BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance: Caval Ridge Coal Mine Project – Environmental Impact Statement (Social Impact
Assessment),N.D.
• Petkova-Timmer, V., Lockie, S., Rolfe, J. 2007. The Impact of Coal Mining Expansion on Moranbah and the Associated
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
Reference Group of the Whitsunday Hinterland and Mackay (WHAM) Regional Plan, September 2008
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 36/94
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.
Moranbah FTE population estimate, June 2010
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
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.
³Population Projection Moranbah 2031; MRCA report; Macroplan 2011.
* Moranbah is located more than 50Km from the closest District Centre.
Services and benchmarks
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 37/94
might be but QPS understand that there is a need to increase provision in the towns.
DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks/FTE positions could not be identified.
• 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
DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks/FTE positions could not be identified.
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 Moranbah 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).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility 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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 38/94
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
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 39/94
members.
Sources:
• BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance: Caval Ridge Coal Mine Project – Environmental Impact Statement (Social Impact
Assessment),N.D.
• Petkova-Timmer, V., Lockie, S., Rolfe, J. 2007. The Impact of Coal Mining Expansion on Moranbah and the Associated
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
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.
• 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.
• Moranbah Retail and Commercial Assessment, MacroPlan Pty Ltd, March 2011
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 40/94
Transport Infrastructure and Services
Facilities
There are no comparative rates of provision for transport facilities of which there are none in Moranbah.
Services and benchmarks
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.
Details on the location of the services are contained in the stakeholder database (where known).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Gaps and future challenges identified for community development
services and facilities
Transport
Facilities and
Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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:
• Petkova-Timmer, V., Lockie, S., Rolfe, J. 2007. 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.
Includes: Public transport (public and private operators of trains, buses, and ferries), Taxis (incl.
disability access vehicles), Community agency vehicles, and Community car-pooling.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 41/94
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
categorised into the following key areas:
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 42/94
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.
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.
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 43/94
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).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 44/94
Health
Facilities and
Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
• 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.
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.
• 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.
• Australian Bureau of Statistics; Population by Age and Sex, regions of Australia, 2009.
• 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.
• BMA Baseline Socio-Economic Assessment Indicator Framework, revised December 2010, Centre for Social
responsibility in Mining (CSRM), The University of Queensland, Australia.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 45/94
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.
Blackwater FTE population estimate, 2010
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
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.
² PIFU medium series based on 2006 Census and 2008 LGIS Small Communities Study
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 46/94
Services and benchmarks
C&K Childcare
Ownership Community based
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
Waiting list 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
Other Family Support Service Providers
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
noted that there may be other services and providers who have not responded to a survey for this
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.
Details on the location of the services are contained in the stakeholder database (where known).
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 47/94
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Services Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
Source: Implementation Guideline No.5 –
Social infrastructure planning; South East
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 48/94
Family Support
Services Gaps and Challenges Implications
Queensland Regional Plan 2005-2026;
Queensland Government Office of Urban
Management, Department of Infrastructure;
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
infrastructure planning; South East Queensland
Regional Plan 2005-2026; Queensland
Government Office of Urban Management,
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.
• 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.
Sources:
• 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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 49/94
• BMA Baseline Socio-Economic Assessment Indicator Framework, revised December 2010, Centre for Social
responsibility in Mining, The University of Queensland, Australia.
• Australian Bureau of Statistics; Population by Age and Sex, regions of Australia, 2009.
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 50/94
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.
Blackwater FTE population estimate, 2010
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
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.
² PIFU medium series based on 2006 Census and 2008 LGIS Small Communities Study
* Moranbah is located more than 50Km from the closest District 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 and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 51/94
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
DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks/FTE positions could not be identified.
Services and benchmarks
Other Family Support Service Providers
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
this project. Details on the location of the services are contained in the stakeholder database (where
known).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Gaps and future challenges identified for community development
services and facilities
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 52/94
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.
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.
Sources:
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 53/94
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.
Blackwater FTE population estimate, 2010
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
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.
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 State School
Primary School Prep though to Year 7
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
School Years Identified Student to
teacher ratio targets
Current provision Gaps
Prep, Years 1-3, 25 students/teacher 25 students/teacher Nil
Years 4-7 28 students/teacher 24 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://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).
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 54/94
Primary School Prep though to Year 7
Number of
students
466 students (2009)
Employees 44 teaching staff (40 FTE), 70 employees in total (54 FTE) (2009)
Capacity Currently easily services the current population - 84% capacity (2009)
DSS/Benchmarks
School Years Identified Student to
teacher ratio targets
Current provision Gaps
Prep, Years 1-3, 25 students/teacher 25 students/teacher Nil
Years 4-7 28 students/teacher 25 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://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)
Capacity Currently easily services the current population - 85% capacity (2009)
DSS/Benchmarks
School Years Identified Student to teacher
ratio targets
Current provision Gaps
Year 8 -10, 28 students/teacher 19 students/teacher Nil
Year 11 & 12 25 students/teacher 12 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://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
Capacity Unable to service demand
DSS/Benchmarks No existing benchmarks identified.
Other Education Service Providers
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).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 55/94
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
centres
Skillshare projects
Community education programs
(adult education, education
centres)
Open Learning Centre, Department of Communities
Gaps and future challenges identified for education services and facilities
Education
Facilities and
Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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:
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 56/94
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.
Blackwater FTE population estimate, 2010
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
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.
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.
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 57/94
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.
Services and benchmarks
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
DSS/Benchmarks 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
DSS/Benchmarks 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.
Employees 10 employees
Capacity Currently adequately services 1800 clients
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 58/94
Future demand Expecting demand to increase due to growth in the resources sector. It is already experiencing
an increase demand for its fitness centre
DSS/Benchmarks Unknown
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
Employees 52 employees
Capacity Unknown
DSS/Benchmarks 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).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 59/94
Gaps and future challenges identified for education services and facilities
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
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
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.
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
• 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:
• 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
• 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.
• 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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 60/94
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.
Blackwater FTE population estimate, 2010
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
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.
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 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.
DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks/FTE positions could not be identified.
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 61/94
• “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)
DSS/Benchmarks Service benchmarks/FTE positions could not be identified.
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
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).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 62/94
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
Community dispute resolution
services Blackwater Police Station
Gaps and future challenges identified for community development
services and facilities
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
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 63/94
Legal and Public
Safety Facilities
and Services
Gaps and Challenges Implications
Volunteers St Johns Ambulance service is in need of volunteers,
which it find hard to recruit due to shift work patterns.
• 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 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.
http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/planning/planning/sustainable_futures_framework.pdf
• BMA Baseline Socio-Economic Assessment Indicator Framework, revised December 2010, Centre for Social
responsibility in Mining, The University of Queensland, Australia.
• 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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 64/94
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.
Services and benchmarks
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.
Details on the location of the services are contained in the stakeholder database (where known).
Type of Service or Facility Service and Facility Providers
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
Gaps and Challenges Implications
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:
• 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.
Includes: Public transport (public and private operators of trains, buses, ferries), Taxis (incl.
disability access vehicles), Community agency vehicles, and Community car pooling.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 65/94
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.
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 66/94
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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Figure 2: Estimated Resident Population by Age, Isaac (R) - Belyando, 2004-2009 (ABS Population by Age
and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2009)
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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
Blackwater Moranbah Queensland
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
Source: ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing
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
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
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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
Blackwater Moranbah Queensland
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
Source: ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing
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
Blackwater Moranbah Queensland
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
Source: ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing
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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
Moranbah and Blackwater SCCIA, Full Report, May 2011 76/94
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)
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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
categorised into the following key areas:
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)
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Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 and below
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
categorised into the following key areas:
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.
Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 and below
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
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Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 and below
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
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Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 and below
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.
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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.
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Moranbah
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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
Tag Facility Service
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
Tag Facility Service
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
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Blackwater
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Tag Facility Service
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
Tag Facility Service
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
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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.
DRAFT Social, Cultural and Community Infrastructure Analysis for the towns of Blackwater and Moranbah V1.2 87/94
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
Bowen Basin Population Report, 2011, Office of Economic and Statistical, Research, Queensland Treasury.
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.
http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/planning/planning/sustainable_futures_framework.pdf
“Sustainable Resources Communities Partnership Agreement.” Queensland Government, 2008. Accessed
March 8, 2008.
DRAFT Social, Cultural and Community Infrastructure Analysis for the towns of Blackwater and Moranbah V1.2 88/94
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
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.
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.
Unpublished and confidential:
DRAFT Social, Cultural and Community Infrastructure Analysis for the towns of Blackwater and Moranbah V1.2 89/94
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.
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9.0 Appendix
9.1 Information Sheet
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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
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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]
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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.
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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