Council welcomes assurances on jobs at Daunia Mine

The Isaac Regional Council has welcomed assurances there will be no job losses associated with automation of haulage at BMA’s Daunia Mine.

This follows BMA’s announcement today it will implement 34 autonomous haulage trucks at Daunia over the next 14 months.

“Council has been absolutely firm that we want jobs staying in the Isaac Region as technological innovation occurs in the coal-mining industry,” Mayor Anne Baker said.

“We have received a firm commitment from BMA that no jobs will be lost from the region through this move to autonomous haulage at Daunia.

"That is vitally important to the Isaac Regional Council because we are committed to maintaining strong local communities across our region and communities are created by people, not machines.”

Mayor Baker said BMA had addressed Council’s historic concerns about job losses associated with future mining operations in the Isaac Region.

“I welcome the advice that BMA will modify its existing control room on site to house the autonomous haulage system controllers at Daunia and no existing roles will relocate to Brisbane.

"BMA has confirmed there are no other sites in study in Queensland for autonomous haulage.”

Mayor Baker said there was no question that Council supports innovation and it acknowledges the essential role it plays in the resource sector for safety and competitiveness.

“Council has adopted a policy position on automation and technological innovation changes in the mining industry,” Mayor Baker said.

“There is an absolute expectation that resource companies are transparent with clear statements about social and other impacts of automation or technological innovation on communities and workforces. There is also an expectation that resource companies will make clear statements of measures to address social impacts and create net benefits for affected communities.

“There are consequences for established communities who support resource projects from changes in technology and automation, and it is the responsibility of resource companies for meaningful and open engagement with Council and affected communities regarding impacts and proposed measures for affected communities. Council is pleased that this has occurred in the case of BMA’s plans for autonomous haulage at Daunia Mine.”

Mayor Baker said the importance of coal mining to the State and national economies had been demonstrated once again during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had severely impacted so many sectors, and it was vital the industry remained profitable and competitive.

ENDS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Isaac Regional Council Brand, Media and Communications Team       4846 3589