Business
12 March, 2025
Mayor backing burnt contractors from mine closures
Cloncurry Shire mayor Greg Campbell says fast-tracking other projects can help unpaid contractors.
Cloncurry Shire mayor Greg Campbell has called on the state and federal governments to release millions of dollars in road and flood crossing funding to deliver economic stimulus to the contractors impacted by a string of sudden mine shutdowns in the region.
Cr Campbell said local civil contractors were affected when Centrex placed the operators of Ardmore Phosphate Mine into voluntary administration last week.
Administrators FTI Consulting said they were “accessing possible restructuring options” while continuing operations at the mine.
It follows three junior copper mine shutdowns late last year, which left some local businesses millions of dollars out of pocket.
Cr Campbell said the council had identified two local projects along the roads between Cloncurry and Duchess that could provide the much-needed work for the impacted contractors.
The state government committed $7.5 million in mid-2023 to upgrade culverts and approaches at the Malbon River Crossing on the Selwyn Road, but the remaining funds for the project are yet to be finalised with the federal government.
According to media statements, the federal government last year committed $5 million towards the total $20 million required for the project under its Bridges Renewal Program, however, that money is yet to be deposited into the state coffers and allocated.
“This project is really needed – it has been on the books for a while and it is a safety issue – there has even been an unfortunate fatality there only last year,” Cr Campbell told North West Weekly.
“We know that money has been committed but we need to see it progressed so it can be delivered.
“We would like to see the money arrive before the (federal) election, so it doesn’t get lost.”
A 28-year-old mine worker was killed in February last year after her vehicle was submerged in floodwater at the causeway.
Cr Campbell said Cloncurry Shire was also awaiting a funding decision from the state government to continue 10km of road works as part of a 60km progressive seal project along the Duchess and Dajarra roads.
A CSIRO report concluded that sealing the Cloncurry to Dajarra thoroughfare would reduce the burden on surrounding highways with an expected 400 per cent increase in additional trailers being moved along a fully-sealed road.
Cr Campbell said he had already spoken to Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg about making progress on these funding applications.
“We need some level of recognition from the state and federal government of the impact this is having on our community,” Cr Campbell said.
“We need some form of stimulus to help those businesses that have been impacted by the closure of the junior mines.
“There is always hope at the start of the administration process that they are going to be able to trade their way out of this situation and you will receive full payment for the work you have already completed.
“But these contractors are in a tough situation now where they have to position themselves to get the most amount of money they are owed.
“In the meantime, we would like to see these businesses be able to get some work through those projects that they are guaranteed to get paid for.”