Council Statement – Ellensfield Road - Update #2

On Friday afternoon Isaac Regional Council received correspondence from Peabody Energy outlining their intent to close Ellensfield Road from 7 June 2021 unless Council satisfies three conditions.

A road that Peabody Energy use in daily mining operations and opened to the public 17 years ago.

Since then, the road has become an essential part of the region’s road network used by their staff and the public.

The conditions outlined in the correspondence would see Isaac Region ratepayers fund the cost of repairs to Peabody Energy’s private road.

Isaac Regional Council will not use ratepayer money to pay for repairs to this or any other private road. This is consistent with our ongoing arrangements with other companies operating in our region.

Discussions between Council and Peabody Energy for safe and effective public access are ongoing.