Council Statement – Ellensfield Road - Update #3

Peabody Energy are pushing to have Isaac Region ratepayers fund the cost of repairs to their private road by restricting public access.

Make no mistakes, Isaac Regional Council will not use ratepayer money to pay for repairs to this private road so a multinational mining company can continue to ignore their social and safety responsibilities.

For 17 years, they have benefited from mining coal in our region.

Over the last 6 years they have had interests in projects that have extracted over 64 million tonnes of coal from our region, making millions of dollars in profit.

Last year Peabody Energy informed Council that they have safety and liability concerns for their road, Ellensfield Road.

Isaac Regional Council entered discussions with Peabody Energy in good faith, with the intent of having them repair the road so Council could consider taking over ownership and ultimate responsibility of Ellensfield Road.

This 19.25 kilometre stretch of road which has been open to the public and used in Peabody Energy’s operations since taking over North Goonyella in 2004.

They continue to use it in daily operations despite their safety concerns.

Peabody Energy as the road owner have in recent times failed to adequately maintain the road and it appears that they have not made provisions for the necessary investment to ensure it remains at a suitable standard.

Rather than spend an estimated $750,000 to repair their road, Peabody Energy are choosing to erect gates and lock the public out.

Isaac Regional Council is disappointed at the lack of social conscience displayed by Peabody Energy in their decision to close Ellensfield Road.

The disregard shown for the residents of Glenden and the impacts closing this road will have on the town and travelling public is a slap in the face for the community.