Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

© The State of Queensland (Queensland Treasury) 2021

Bowen Basin population report, 2020

Introduction

The resource sector in regional Queensland utilises fly-in/fly-out and drive-in/drive-out (FIFO/DIDO) workers as a source of labour supply. These non-resident workers live in regional areas while on-shift. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) resident population estimates for these areas do not include non-resident workers.

The non-resident population represents the number of FIFO/DIDO workers who are on-shift in the region at a given point in time. This group includes those employed in construction, production and maintenance at mining and gas industry operations, renewable energy projects and resource-related infrastructure.

This report provides non–resident population estimates for the Bowen Basin during the last week of June 2020. It also includes full–time equivalent (FTE) population estimates, which aggregate the resident and non-resident populations to provide a more complete indicator of demand for certain services.

Estimates within this report are derived primarily from the annual Survey of Accommodation Providers conducted by the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO). The survey includes worker accommodation villages (WAVs), hotels, motels, and caravan parks.

Key findings

Key findings of this report include:

• The Bowen Basin had an estimated non-resident population of 19,005 persons in June 2020, an increase of 595 persons (or 3%) from June 2019.

• Non–resident population growth in 2019–20 was due to a combination of project construction and ongoing activity at existing coal operations. The COVID-19 pandemic reportedly had limited material impact on many mining operations in the region and the majority of FIFO/DIDO travel continued with safety measures in place.

• At the LGA level, Isaac (R) had the largest non-resident population in the Bowen Basin in June 2020 (12,770 persons). The remaining non-resident population was in Central Highlands (R) (3,890 persons), Banana (S) (1,500 persons) and Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) (840 persons).

• The non-resident population of Isaac (R) grew by 640 persons (or 5%) in 2019–20. Banana (S) (260 persons or 21%) and Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) (180 persons or 27%) also recorded non–resident population growth, while the non-resident population of Central Highlands (R) declined (–485 persons or –11%).

• The Bowen Basin had an estimated FTE population of 95,125 persons in June 2020, comprising 76,125 residents and 19,005 non-resident workers on-shift. Non-resident workers on-shift made up 20% of the FTE population.

• WAVs housed the majority of non-resident workers on-shift in the region in June 2020 (17,125 persons, or 90% of the total). The balance (1,875 persons) stayed in other accommodation types.

• The total capacity of WAVs in the Bowen Basin in June 2020 was estimated at 28,765 beds, an increase of 700 beds or 3% from June 2019.

• WAVs reported relatively few adverse impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while operators of other accommodation (hotels/motels and caravan parks) reported more negative effects due to travel restrictions.

• Around 47% of hotel/motel rooms in the region were vacant and available in June 2020, up from 39% in June 2019.

Figure 1 Bowen Basin region

The Bowen Basin – at a glance

The Bowen Basin is Queensland’s most important source of export coal. The region comprises the local government areas (LGAs) of Banana (S), Central Highlands (R), Isaac (R) and Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only).

Estimated population at June 2020:

Non-resident population……………….. 19,005

Resident population……………………. 76,125

Full–time equivalent population............ 95,125

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 2

Bowen Basin update, 2019–20

The Bowen Basin in Central Queensland (Figure 3) contains most of Australia’s high quality metallurgical (coking and pulverised coal injection (PCI)) coal reserves, as well as significant deposits of thermal coal. As at June 2020, there were 44 coal mining operations and two metalliferous mines located in the region, along with coal seam gas (CSG) and conventional gas operations, renewable energy generation, and other resource industry related infrastructure (Table 5).

Three projects continued or commenced construction in 2019–20. Anglo American’s Aquila underground metallurgical coal project was approved in July 2019, and development began in September 2019 (Anglo American, 2019a; Anglo American, 2019b). Construction of Bravus Mining and Resources’ (previously Adani Mining) Carmichael coal mine began in June 2019 and continued throughout the year (Adani Australia, 2020a; Adani Australia, 2020b). The Carmichael Rail Network also commenced construction in 2019–20.

Four coal mines in the Bowen Basin were closed during June 2020. Cook mine was placed into care and maintenance following the collapse of Bounty Mining in late 2019, and remained closed at the time of its sale to Constellation Mining in June 2020 (PwC Australia, 2019; PwC Australia, 2020). Rolleston mine was temporarily closed in mid-2020, in line with Glencore’s strategy of managing its coal production profile through temporary shutdowns (DISER, 2020; Glencore, 2020b). Underground mining activities at Grosvenor remained suspended in June 2020, following a methane ignition incident in May 2020 (Anglo American, 2020a). Operations at North Goonyella have been suspended since high gas levels caused a fire at the mine in September 2018, with a reduction in workforce in October 2019 (Peabody Energy 2019; Peabody Energy 2020a; Peabody Energy 2020b).

Gas activity in the Bowen Basin continued in 2019–20, with companies engaged in production, exploration and maintenance activities. Gladstone LNG (GLNG) completed drilling for the initial phase of the Arcadia Valley project in Central Highlands (R), with all 148 wells online and production from the Arcadia field ramping up faster than expected (Santos, 2020). Production from Fairview in Banana (S) remained steady.

The Bowen Basin’s coal industry held up well in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resources sector was considered essential to the Australian economy, and maintaining operations was identified as a key priority (COAG Energy Council, 2020). From March 2020, the Queensland Government required mining companies to take extra precautions in camps and on transport to reduce the risk of virus transmission to workers and local communities (Queensland Government, 2020b). While FIFO/DIDO travel within the state continued, border controls limited entry to Queensland to critical interstate workers only (Queensland Government, 2020a). Companies also placed restrictions on non-essential travel and implemented measures such as changes to rosters to reduce staff movements (Anglo American, 2020b; BHP, 2020a; Glencore, 2020a; Peabody Energy, 2020c). Despite these changes, COVID-19 reportedly had little material impact on mining operations in the Bowen Basin overall and disruptions were limited (Anglo American, 2020c; BHP, 2020b; Glencore, 2020c; Peabody Energy, 2020b).

See page 7 for further discussion of COVID-19 and accommodation usage in the Bowen Basin.

Metallurgical and thermal coal prices were affected by reduced demand due to COVID-19, with a number of producers announcing cuts to production in response to the fall in prices (DISER, 2020). While coal production for the Bowen Basin for 2019–20 was down 4% from the previous year (DNRME, 2020), this was reportedly due to a range of factors other than COVID-19, including maintenance and shutdowns, underground incidents, wet weather events, and other production constraints throughout the year (Anglo American, 2020c; BHP, 2020b; Glencore, 2020c; Peabody Energy, 2020b).

Despite the recorded fall in production, coal industry employment increased over the year. In total, the size of the Bowen Basin’s coal industry workforce was around 37,500 persons in June quarter 2020—an increase of about 1,500 persons or 4% from June quarter 2019 (RSHQ, 2020). Most of these 37,500 workers were engaged at existing operations.

Non-resident population

At the end of June 2020, the Bowen Basin’s non-resident population was estimated at 19,005 persons, up 595 persons or 3% from June 2019 (Table 1).

Around two-thirds of non-resident workers on-shift in the region in June 2020 were counted in Isaac (R) (12,770 persons or 67% of the total), with the remainder recorded in Central Highlands (R) (3,890 persons), Banana (S) (1,500 persons) and Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) (840 persons).

Over the year to June 2020, three of the four LGAs in the Bowen Basin recorded non–resident population growth. The largest increase of 640 persons (or 5%) occurred in Isaac (R), due to construction of mine and rail projects and ongoing activity at existing mines. Banana (S) recorded a gain of 260 persons (or 21%), driven

Non-resident population

The non-resident population is the number of fly-in/fly-out or drive-in/drive-out (FIFO/DIDO) workers who are living in the area of their workplace at a given point in time, but who have their usual place of residence elsewhere.

Due to shift arrangements, not all members of the non-resident workforce are present in the local area at one time. For that reason, the non-resident population refers to the number of non-resident workers on-shift at a given point in time, rather than the total non-resident workforce.

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 3

by coal and gas activity. In Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only), ongoing coal operations and the construction of the Carmichael rail project contributed to the increase of 180 persons (or 27%).

In contrast, the non-resident population of Central Highlands (R) fell by 485 persons (or 11%), primarily due to mine closures and reduced gas activity.

Table 1 Non-resident population, Bowen Basin LGAs, as at June

LGA

2019 2020 Change, 2019 to 2020

— persons — persons %

Banana (S) 1,240 1,500 260 21

Central Highlands (R) 4,375 3,890 –485 –11

Isaac (R) 12,130 12,770 640 5

Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) 660 840 180 27

BOWEN BASIN TOTAL 18,410 19,005 595 3

Figures in tables have been rounded to the nearest five; see Notes at end of report for details.

Source: QGSO estimates

As Figure 2 shows, the Bowen Basin’s non-resident population grew from 10,765 persons in 2006 to a peak of 25,035 persons in 2012. This increase was driven by the construction of major projects, including new coal mines, mine expansions, and associated infrastructure. The subsequent decline to 13,560 persons in 2016 reflects the transition to the production phase as large, temporary construction workforces were replaced by smaller operational workforces. Mine closures and workforce restructuring also contributed to the decrease.

Between June 2016 and June 2018, growth in the region’s non-resident population reversed the downward trend of the previous four years. Compared with the growth leading up to 2012, non–resident population increases over this period were largely due to workforces associated with expanded production activities rather than major project construction, as mining companies responded to high metallurgical and thermal coal prices.

Since 2018, the Bowen Basin’s non-resident population has stabilised at its highest levels since the resources boom of 2011 to 2013. While coal production continues to be the major driver, other influences—including solar construction, gas development and maintenance activities—have also contributed to the non-resident population over this period.

The small increase in the region’s non-resident population in 2019–20 was largely due to a combination of project construction and ongoing coal industry activity, which more than made up for mine closures and the completion of some gas activity. The COVID-19 pandemic reportedly had limited material impact on many operations in the region. Despite some restrictions on non–essential industry travel, the majority of FIFO/DIDO travel continued and mines continued to operate with COVID safety measures in place.

Figure 2 Non-resident population, Bowen Basin LGAs, as at June

Source: QGSO estimates

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Pers

ons

Banana (S) Central Highlands (R) Isaac (R) Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only)

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 4

Figure 3 Bowen Basin local government areas and selected urban centres and localities

Source: QGSO

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 5

FTE population estimates

In June 2020, the Bowen Basin had an estimated FTE population of 95,125 persons, comprising 76,125 residents and 19,005 non-resident workers on-shift (Table 2). Non-resident workers on-shift made up 20% of the region’s total FTE population.

Isaac (R) had the largest FTE population (33,575 persons) of the LGAs, with 12,770 non-resident workers on-shift accounting for 38% of the total FTE. Central Highlands (R) (32,585 persons) had an FTE population close to that of Isaac (R), but with a smaller number and proportion of non-resident workers on-shift (3,890 persons or 12% of the total FTE).

Four urban centres and localities (UCLs) had non-resident populations of 1,000 persons or more in June 2020—Moranbah (2,510 persons), Middlemount (1,800 persons), Blackwater (1,720 persons) and Dysart (1,675 persons). There was also a large non-resident population in rural areas in Isaac (R) (5,715 persons), reflecting the location of several large WAVs outside of town centres.

Table 2 FTE population estimates, Bowen Basin LGAs and selected UCLs, June 2020

LGA Location(a) UCL

Resident population(b)

Non-resident population

FTE population

— persons —

Banana (S) In town Baralaba 235 140 375

Biloela 5,675 210 5,890

Moura 1,480 370 1,850

Other towns(c) 1,190 5 1,195

Rural areas 5,460 780 6,235

Banana (S) total 14,045 1,500 15,545

Central Highlands (R) In town Blackwater 4,880 1,720 6,600

Bluff 265 235 500

Capella 965 25 990

Emerald 14,285 250 14,540

Springsure 855 25 880

Tieri 1,030 695 1,725

Other towns(c) 1,465 15 1,475

Rural areas 4,945 930 5,875

Central Highlands (R) total 28,695 3,890 32,585

Isaac (R) In town Clermont 2,050 80 2,130

Dysart 2,320 1,675 3,995

Glenden 540 670 1,215

Middlemount 1,695 1,800 3,490

Moranbah 8,700 2,510 11,210

Nebo 490 315 810

Rural areas 5,010 5,715 10,725

Isaac (R) total 20,810 12,770 33,575

Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) In town Bowen 9,080 20 9,100

Collinsville 1,055 515 1,570

Other towns(c) 430 45 480

Rural areas 2,015 255 2,270

Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) total 12,575 840 13,415

BOWEN BASIN TOTAL 76,125 19,005 95,125

(a) Refer to Notes at end of report for explanation of ‘in town’ and ‘rural areas’.

(b) QGSO unpublished data.

(c) UCLs with only one accommodation provider or fewer than 20 non-resident workers are aggregated in ‘Other towns’.

Source: QGSO estimates

Full–time equivalent population

The FTE population measure is the sum of the resident population (people who live in the area permanently) and the non-resident population (i.e. the number of non-resident workers on-shift).

The FTE population measure provides a more complete estimate of total demand for certain services and infrastructure in regions with a high incidence of FIFO/DIDO workers.

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 6

Non–resident worker accommodation

WAVs remain the predominant type of accommodation used by non-resident workers while on-shift in the Bowen Basin, housing 17,125 persons (or 90% of the total) in June 2020 (Table 3). Other types of accommodation, including hotels/motels and caravan parks, accounted for the remainder (1,875 persons or 10%).

Across the region, the number of non-resident workers on-shift accommodated in WAVs increased by 940 persons or 6% in the year to June 2020, largely due to increased numbers of construction workers. The number of workers staying in other accommodation fell by 345 persons or 16% over this period.

All LGAs except for Central Highlands (R) recorded growth in the number of non-resident workers on-shift in WAVs in 2019–20, while all LGAs except for Banana (S) saw a decrease in the number of non-resident workers staying in other accommodation. Central Highlands (R) was the only LGA to record a decline in the total non-resident population over this period, which was reflected in reduced numbers in both WAVs (–285 persons) and other accommodation (–195 persons).

Table 3 Non-resident population by accommodation type, Bowen Basin LGAs, as at June

LGA

WAVs Other(a) Total WAVs Other(a) Total

2020 Change, 2019–20

— persons —

Banana (S) 1,210 290 1,500 230 30 260

Central Highlands (R) 3,585 305 3,890 –285 –195 –485

Isaac (R) 11,605 1,165 12,770 805 –165 640

Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) 725 115 840 190 –10 180

BOWEN BASIN TOTAL 17,125 1,875 19,005 940 –345 595

(a) ‘Other’ includes hotels, motels, caravan parks and other accommodation. Refer to Notes at end of report for additional information.

Source: QGSO estimates

As Figure 4 shows, WAVs have been the predominant type of non–resident worker accommodation in the Bowen Basin since 2006, with much smaller numbers in other accommodation. Other accommodation types often cater for additional workers requiring accommodation in periods of high demand. The number of non-resident workers on-shift in other accommodation peaked at the height of the resources boom in 2012 (2,880 persons), before declining to 725 persons in 2015.

WAVs have several advantages over other types of accommodation for housing non-resident workers, including the capacity to expand or contract with changing workforce demand, economies of scale for large workforces, and the ability to house workers on or near work sites in remote areas (QGSO, 2017). The number of WAV beds across the region varies from year to year as camps open, close (either temporarily or permanently), and change in size, in response to demand from industry and the needs of specific projects.

The number of WAV beds in the region increased in line with non–resident population growth over the period leading up to June 2012, and continued to increase in the year to June 2013 as the non-resident population fell (Figure 4). Despite decreasing from a peak of 32,495 beds in 2013, capacity has been maintained at a high level with at least 26,200 beds recorded in the region each year from 2014 to 2020. The difference between the number of WAV beds and number of non-resident workers on-shift over this period does not necessarily indicate availability, as many establishments reserve rooms for workers who are rostered off.

The total capacity of WAVs in the Bowen Basin in June 2020 was estimated at 28,765 beds, a net increase of 700 beds or 3% from June 2019 (Figure 4). This represents the third consecutive year of growth in WAV bed capacity in the region. Growth in capacity in 2019–20 was due to a combination of new camps and expansions at existing camps, catering for an increased number of construction workers and additional workers at some coal operations. The total number of WAV beds in camps servicing the gas industry fell over this period.

Worker accommodation villages (WAVs)

WAVs are commonly used to house non-resident workers on-shift. WAVs typically consist of demountable dwellings arranged in a village, with common dining, laundry and recreational facilities.

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 7

Figure 4 Non-resident population by accommodation type(a), Bowen Basin, as at June

(a) ‘Other’ includes hotels/motels, caravan parks and other accommodation. Refer to Notes at end of report for additional information.

Source: QGSO estimates

COVID-19 and accommodation usage in the Bowen Basin

Qualitative information gathered from QGSO’s Survey of Accommodation Providers, conducted in June 2020, provides an insight into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the accommodation sector in the Bowen Basin. More than half (55%) of the survey responses in the Bowen Basin included qualitative data. Compared with the Surat Basin (see Surat Basin population report, 2020 (QGSO, 2020)), accommodation providers in the Bowen Basin reported relatively few negative effects due to COVID-19.

WAVs—which exclusively accommodate FIFO/DIDO workers—reported minimal negative impact from COVID-19. Measures such as changes to rosters and infection control protocols were not reported to have had a significant effect on occupancy levels, although there were isolated reports of increased utilisation of WAV accommodation due to workers being onsite for extended periods. There were also limited reports of WAVs employing additional live-in staff in response to COVID-19.

Hotels/motels and caravan parks reported being more adversely affected by COVID-19 than was reported by WAVs. While many establishments reported no detrimental impact, with only limited change from the previous year, others reported lower numbers of FIFO/DIDO workers due to bans on non–essential industry travel. The worst of the impacts were reportedly felt prior to June 2020, with business generally improving by the survey period. Across the region, five establishments reported closing temporarily during COVID-19 lockdowns, with three remaining closed in June 2020.

While results varied across the region, hotels/motels and caravan parks in areas with a strong resource industry base fared better than those with a more diverse clientele. For example, other establishments in Isaac (R), where the mining industry is dominant, reported relatively few negative impacts due to COVID-19. By comparison, those in towns such as Emerald in Central Highlands (R) and Bowen in Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only), which attract a broader range of guests including tourists and business travellers, reported more negative effects due to a reduction in all visitor types.

Overall, accommodation providers in the Bowen Basin reported being influenced by other factors as much as the effects of COVID-19 in June 2020. The response from WAVs was predominantly positive, with many reporting that they benefitted from influences other than COVID-19, while other establishments reported a mix of positive and negative impacts. In particular, operators in areas with construction underway or ongoing coal industry activity reported strong demand for accommodation.

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Num

ber

Non-resident population in WAVs Non-resident population in other accommodation Total WAV beds

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 8

Around 47% of hotel/motel rooms in the Bowen Basin were vacant and available in June 2020, a greater proportion than in both June 2019 (39%) and June 2018 (34%) (Table 4). As discussed above, some hotels/motels in the region were negatively affected by COVID-19, as travel restrictions limited the number of both non–essential resource industry guests and other travellers.

At the LGA level, Central Highlands (R) recorded the largest increase in vacant and available hotel/motel rooms in the region, up from 40% in June 2019 to 56% in June 2020, in part due to reduced demand from non-resident workers on-shift. The vacant and available rate also increased in Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) (up from 39% to 43%) and Banana (S) (up from 37% to 49%). Isaac (R) was the only LGA to record a decrease in the proportion of vacant and available rooms, declining from 36% in June 2019 to 32% in June 2020 as demand from the resource sector increased.

Table 4 Vacant and available hotel/motel rooms, Bowen Basin LGAs, as at June

LGA

Occupied by non-resident

workers Vacant and available(a) Balance(a)

Total hotel/motel

rooms(a) Vacant and available hotel/motel rooms

2020 2018 2019 2020

— rooms — — % —

Banana (S) 175 255 85 510 43 37 49

Central Highlands (R) 250 860 415 1,525 31 40 56

Isaac (R) 380 255 165 800 42 36 32

Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) 110 235 205 550 23 39 43

BOWEN BASIN TOTAL 915 1,600 870 3,385 34 39 47

(a) Refer to Notes at end of report for explanation of ‘vacant and available’ and ‘balance’.

Source: QGSO estimates

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 9

Table 5 Existing resource operations and projects under construction(a), Bowen Basin, June 2020

Category Operation / project name Company name LGA

CM Aquila Anglo American Isaac (R)

CM Baralaba North Baralaba Coal Company Banana (S)

CM Blackwater BHP Central Highlands (R)

CM Blair Athol TerraCom Isaac (R)

CM Bluff Carabella Resources Central Highlands (R)

CM Broadmeadow BHP Isaac (R)

CM Byerwen QCoal Group Isaac (R)

CM Callide Batchfire Resources Banana (S)

RI Callide Power Station CS Energy Banana (S)

CM Capcoal Surface Operations Anglo American Isaac (R)

CM Carborough Downs Fitzroy Australia Resources Isaac (R)

CM Carmichael Bravus Mining and Resources Isaac (R)

RI Carmichael Rail Network Bravus Mining and Resources Isaac (R), Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only)

CM Caval Ridge BHP Isaac (R)

CM Clermont Glencore Coal Isaac (R)

CM Collinsville Glencore Coal Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only)

CM Coppabella Peabody Energy Isaac (R)

RI Coppabella Train Loadout Facility Pacific National Isaac (R)

MM Cracow Gold Mine Aeris Resources Banana (S)

CM Curragh Coronado Coal Central Highlands (R)

CM Daunia BHP Isaac (R)

CM Dawson Anglo American Banana (S)

CSG Denison North (Rolleston) Denison Gas Central Highlands (R)

CM Ensham Ensham Resources Central Highlands (R)

CM Foxleigh Middlemount South Isaac (R)

CSG GLNG Drilling and Completions GLNG(b) Banana (S), Central Highlands (R)

CSG GLNG Surat Operations and Gas Gathering GLNG Banana (S), Central Highlands (R)

CM Goonyella Riverside BHP Isaac (R)

CM Grasstree Anglo American Isaac (R)

CSG Greater Meridian SeamGas WestSide Corporation Banana (S)

CM Gregory Project Sojitz Blue Central Highlands (R)

CM Grosvenor Anglo American Isaac (R)

CM Hail Creek Glencore Coal Isaac (R)

CM Isaac Plains Complex Stanmore Coal Isaac (R)

CM Jellinbah East Jellinbah Group Central Highlands (R)

CM Jellinbah Plains Jellinbah Group Central Highlands (R)

CM Kestrel Kestrel Coal Resources Central Highlands (R)

CM Lake Vermont Jellinbah Group Isaac (R)

CM Meteor Downs South Sojitz Blue Central Highlands (R)

CM Middlemount Middlemount Coal Isaac (R)

RE Middlemount Sun Farm Quintas Energy Isaac (R)

CM Millennium Peabody Energy Isaac (R)

CM Minerva Sojitz Blue Central Highlands (R)

CM Moorvale Peabody Energy Isaac (R)

RI Moranbah Ammonium Nitrate Plant Incitec Pivot Isaac (R)

CSG Moranbah Gas Project Arrow Energy Isaac (R)

CM Moranbah North Anglo American Isaac (R)

MM Mt Carlton Gold Mine Evolution Mining Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only)

RI Nebo Rail Maintenance Facility Pacific National Isaac (R)

CM Newlands Glencore Coal Isaac (R)

CM North Goonyella Peabody Energy Isaac (R)

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 10

Category Operation / project name Company name LGA

RI North Queensland Export Terminal North Queensland Export Terminal Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only)

CM Oaky Creek Glencore Coal Central Highlands (R)

CM Peak Downs BHP Isaac (R)

CM Poitrel BHP Isaac (R)

CM QCoal Northern Hub QCoal Group Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only)

CM Rolleston Glencore Coal Central Highlands (R)

CM Saraji BHP Isaac (R)

CM South Walker Creek BHP Isaac (R)

CM Yarrabee Yancoal Australia Central Highlands (R)

CM = coal mine CSG = coal seam / conventional gas MM = metalliferous mine RE = renewable energy RI = related infrastructure

(a) Includes coal mining operations, metalliferous mines, gas operations, other resource industry–related infrastructure, and projects under construction as at June 2020. Coal mines that were in care and maintenance, including Cook in Central Highlands (R), are not included in this list.

(b) Santos Gladstone LNG (GLNG) is a joint venture between Santos, PETRONAS, Total and KOGAS.

Source: QGSO 2020

Notes

(R) – Regional Council (S) – Shire UCL – Urban Centre/Locality

Whitsunday (R) (Bowen only) comprises the statistical areas level 2 (SA2s) of Bowen and Collinsville, which cover the area of former Bowen Shire.

Data in this report are derived from surveys conducted by QGSO in 2020 and other sources. The Survey of Accommodation Providers counted non-resident workers staying in worker accommodation villages (WAVs), hotels, motels, caravan parks and other commercial accommodation on a medium to long-term basis during the last week of June 2020. Short-term and overnight visitors are not regarded as non-resident workers. The Resource Employment Survey collected workforce information from all resource companies with existing operations and projects in the Bowen Basin as at June 2020.

Non-resident workers are people who fly-in/fly-out or drive-in/drive-out (FIFO/DIDO) to work and live in the area temporarily while rostered on, and who have their usual place of residence elsewhere. This group includes employees, contractors and associated sub-contractors, employed in construction, production, and maintenance at mining and gas industry operations, renewable energy projects and resource related infrastructure. Figures in this report refer to the number of non-resident workers on-shift, or present in the area at a given point in time, and should not be confused with total non–resident workforce numbers.

Non–resident population data presented in this report are a point-in-time measure, based on the best information available at the time of the surveys. Non–resident worker numbers may vary in response to changing production demands, prevailing weather and industrial disputes. At the time of the 2020 surveys, the number of non-resident workers on-shift in the Bowen Basin was unaffected by widespread adverse weather events or industrial action.

Resident population estimates for 2020 are QGSO estimates.

‘In town’ includes populations counted in defined urban centres and localities (UCLs), as well as non-resident workers housed within 5km of town. ‘Rural areas’ include populations outside of defined UCLs, including non-resident workers more than 5km from town.

‘Other’ accommodation includes hotels, motels, caravan parks and other private rental accommodation.

‘Vacant and available’ refers to hotel/motel rooms that were not occupied by non-resident workers or other guests, and were vacant and available on the night of the survey. ‘Balance’ includes hotel/motel rooms occupied by short-term visitors, held for non-resident workers under permanent booking arrangements but not actually occupied on the night of the survey, or otherwise unavailable to prospective guests.

Figures in tables have been rounded to the nearest five. As a result of rounding, discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items and totals. Percentages and other calculations are made prior to rounding of figures and discrepancies might therefore exist between these calculations and those that could be derived from the rounded figures.

References

Adani Australia (2020a) Adani contract announcements top $700 million in a win for regional communities, 30 January 2020 https://www.adaniaustralia.com/-/media/200130Adani%20delivers%20700m%20in%20contractsFINAL

Adani Australia (2020b) Adani contract awards top $1 billion, 4 June 2020 https://www.adaniaustralia.com/-/media/200603_BMD%20contract%20announcement_FINAL

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

Bowen Basin population report, 2020 11

Anglo American (2019a) Aquila, Bulks Seminar & Site Visit, 14 November 2019 https://www.angloamerican.com/~/media/Files/A/Anglo-American-Group/PLC/media/presentations/2019pres/metallurgical-coal-bulks-seminar-and-site-visit-brisbane.pdf

Anglo American (2019b) New mine approval expands Anglo American’s Queensland operations, 25 July 2019 https://australia.angloamerican.com/media/press-releases/pr-2019/25-07-2019

Anglo American (2020a) Grosvenor Incident Update, 16 July 2020 https://australia.angloamerican.com/media/press-releases/pr-2020/16-07-2020

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