The  Queensland Government’s Coordinator-General (CG) has approved changes to the size and location of accommodation villages servicing the $4 billion Caval Ridge Mine project.

In his evaluation of proposed changes to accommodation camps associated with the mine project near Moranbah in the Bowen Basin,  the Coordinator-General said he could support some of the extra proposals from BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA.

However, there was no change to the percentage of resident workers approved to operate the mine.

Under the original conditions, the mine’s operational fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) workforce has a maximum of 70 per cent.

“The Coordinator-General has stated that if BMA want to change that condition, they would have to lodge a new application and undergo a separate assessment process.

Changes outlined in the CG’s report allow for the moving of the construction and operational workforce villages from Denham Village to a site further from Moranbah at Buffel Park. This new location would improve visual and traffic impacts plus lessen any potential health concerns from dust.”

The project still requires Federal approval under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). Relevant development applications will then be considered by Isaac Regional Council (IRC).

Initially a 500-room temporary accommodation facility could be established at Buffel Park for workers for a maximum of two years. A 2000-room construction village could be built to house up to 1200 workers as they begin construction on the mine itself.

Up to 1400 rooms in the construction village could be used for up to four years while the other 600 rooms have now been approved to house periodic maintenance personnel over the mine’s 30-year life. A third 445-room village is required to accommodate a 345-strong operational workforce, 60 village staff and up to 40 visiting staff for 30 years.

BMA must also conduct detailed housing studies as part of stringent conditions set by the CG. The project was approved on 12 August, 2010.

For more information on the Bowen Basin Coal Growth Project visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects