In the lead up to the Queensland state election we focus on key issues the LGAQ are campaigning for on behalf of its members. This week, the spotlight is on the cumulative effect of resource projects on communities.
Ahead of the state election, the LGAQ has called for the incoming government to adequately assess the cumulative social impacts of resource projects on communities.
The LGAQ's 10-point election plan argues for a more rigorous, holistic social impact assessment of all resource projects combined and not just the isolated assessment of individual projects.
"Local government seeks a requirement for the Minister to report annually to Parliament on the cumulative social impacts of resource projects, including actions taken by the state governments and resource companies to manage these impacts,’’ the plan says.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said she knew only too well the negative impacts of resource projects on communities.
"What we know over many, many years is the simple fact that the work practice of fly in fly out has increased and has a direct impact on established communities. In most examples it’s a direct negative impact." Mayor Baker said.
"Once the numbers start to tip the balance in terms of permanent population it erodes the established community."
"We're simply asking and advocating for equity."
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the recently passed Sustainable Resources Community Bill didn't go far enough,
"The FIFO debate that been going on for a long time has some resolution in the Sustainable Resources Community Bill...but really there's no retrospectivity in that,’’ he said.
"The FIFO community don’t have a stake in the community. The ongoing effects of fly in fly out is that it really doesn’t do anything for the community."
"We know from our community experience that it is a disaster for communities".