Mt Morgan Unemployment Not Good Enough For MP

Stephen Andrew MP
Member for Mirani
************Press Release ***********
Mt Morgan Unemployment Not Good Enough For MP
April 13, 2018
Mirani MP Stephen Andrew has toured the Southern part of his electorate this week
and is disheartened to hear his constituents so frustrated with the unfulfilled
potential of Mount Morgan and the surrounding region.
Mr Andrew sees it is essential that projects in the area go ahead, in order to alleviate
severe economic stress, reduce an unemployment rate of 20% and save the dying
tourism industry.
Residents are devastated after pinning their hopes of an economic revival on the
Carbine Resources project, and the stalling of feasibility reports regarding the
reopening of the Fireclay Caverns is adding salt to the wound.
Carbine Resources announced in March that the project would not be going ahead
after failing to achieve any meaningful outcomes with key stakeholders to improve
the terms of the various agreements associated with the projects to increase returns
to an acceptable level.
Mr Andrew hopes the State Government will re-visit all possible avenues, or explore
new ones, until a solution is reached that will allow the project to get off the ground.
“We must do what we can to bring the unemployment rate down and boost the local
economy and these projects provide an opportunity to do that so their success is
essential” Mr Andrew said.
Furthermore, the Mount Morgan Fireclay Caverns have been out of operation since
2011 due to concerns surrounding stability and safety risks to the public. The closure
of the attraction has seen visitor numbers decline from 5000 per annum to 3000 per
annum.
The Sarina Centre Phone:074806 0700
Central Street Sarina Qld 4737 Fax:074806 0709
PO Box 56 Sarina Qld 4737 Toll Free: 1800 812 340
Mirani@parliament.qld.gov.au

Stephen Andrew MP
Member for Mirani
The Queensland Government has carried out studies to assess whether the risks can
be engineered and managed at an acceptable level, however further research is
needed for a clear determination. While he understands the safety risks involved, Mr
Andrew calls on the Government to fast-track these feasibility reports in hopes that a
solution can be engineered sooner.
“I ask for a clear determination and official explanation of what needs to be done in
bringing these projects to fruition and what action, analytical plans and
economic/social modelling can be put in place by State and Local Governments for
the regions, by asking what is the Queensland Government’s capacity to illuminate
developments for the regions and to properly access essential growth prospects
through the implementation of long term productivity, particularly within my
electorate” Mr Andrew said.
If both projects were to come to fruition, Mount Morgan and surrounding areas
would almost certainly see a drop in unemployment rates and an increase in tourism,
which would give locals a much needed reprieve.
Mr Andrew also echoes the opinion of locals who are calling for a new railway track
to be built after the existing track that was damaged during floods in 2011. The tracks
were previously used to offer train tours of the area.
“Anything that will boost the local economy and improve the livelihood of the
residents of Mount Morgan at the same time is certainly something worth looking
into.”
The Sarina Centre Phone:074806 0700
Central Street Sarina Qld 4737 Fax:074806 0709
PO Box 56 Sarina Qld 4737 Toll Free: 1800 812 340
Mirani@parliament.qld.gov.au