Times can be tough for small communities when an industry that was once their lifeblood just up and goes away, and for the town of Glenden, located southwest of Mackay, that time couldn't have come at a worse time.

Purpose-built in the 1980s to house the workers and their families of the local Newlands coal mine operated by Glencore, the town is now facing its last few years, with the mine coming to a close in February.

Under Glencore's obligations, they must now rehabilitate the land, which will lead to the population in Glenden being scaled down even further. Sadly, hundreds of houses could quite possibly be demolished.

A Glencore spokesperson said that while some people from the mine had been offered redeployment opportunities at other sites in the company, 'In the absence of another anchor tenant prepared to support Glenden, [it] has statutory obligations to remove the housing and rehabilitate the town post-mining.'

An entire town is set to be bulldozed after existing for four decades, forcing hundreds of locals to find new homes amid a housing crisis. Credit: Facebook/Isaac Regional Council.

An 'anchor tenant' is someone who not only takes responsibility for the housing but also subsidises and supports various businesses and services in the town. Glencore, for example, finances the Glenden medical centre at an annual cost of around $1.1 million.

'Glencore indicated that we were happy to consider alternative proposals for the Glenden community services which were consistent with meeting and funding our statutory obligations,' said the company spokesperson.

'Glencore would welcome an agreement between QCoal and the Queensland Government which would see the community of Glenden continue.'

Glenden's future hinges on the nearby mine, QCoal, which has been granted approval to establish its own camp for workers.

As a result, the fate of 670 Glenden residents who currently call the town their home is uncertain and in jeopardy as they fight to preserve their community from being demolished.

The final decision now rests solely in the hands of those in higher positions, and the chance for Glenden's continued existence seems to depend on how this situation unfolds with QCoal's plans.

According to Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker, the decision has made them 'gobsmacked and lost for words'.

'It is just a ridiculous situation that we find ourselves in', said Baker. 'We are in the middle of a housing crisis. It is a reckless preliminary decision.'

The local community has now banded together in the 'Save Glenden' campaign in the hopes of the people's wishes being heard—the town is kept standing whilst also being available to serve the new mine just as it did the old.

A lifelong resident, Milissa Phillips-Payne proudly owned the local general store for nearly a decade. However, circumstances led her to close its doors late last year. This town holds deep emotional significance for her as her baby daughter rests in the local cemetery.

In an interview with The Australian, Ms Phillips-Payne expressed her love for the town, stating, 'I've grown up here, I have raised my family here, I have done everything here in this town. It can be an amazing place to raise a family—a safe environment and all the bonuses that come along with living in a small community.'

Felicity Niethe, another long-time resident and a mum of two, also echoed the concerns about the town's future. She and her husband both run businesses there; she operates the post office while he manages his business.

'If something happens to Glenden, what's going to happen to us?' she asked.

Key Takeaways

• The mining giant, Glencore, is willing to discuss an agreement that would save the town of Glenden in Queensland, even though their mine has reached the end of its operational life.
• According to the terms of its mining lease, Glencore plans to rehabilitate the land. This rectification could lead to the demolition of hundreds of houses in Glenden.
• The local government is encouraging the state government to reconsider its decision, citing an upcoming worker housing crisis.
• The community of Glenden has united to launch a 'Save Glenden' campaign, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of its residents.

The future results of the council's decision, the state government's actions, and QCoal's involvement are still unknown. However, here at the SDC, we are optimistic and hopeful that positive news will come for the small town and its residents. We hope a favourable outcome awaits Glenden in the near future.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this news, members! Please share your opinions in the comments section below.

 

[Rob44]

Ever heard of URANIUM 10 kg will power Adelaide for the next 15 years.

Of course. And the carbon footprint of mining limestone, heating limestone, mining gravel for concrete plus mining and refining iron ore for steel reinforcing rods for the concrete and then transporting equipment to build the nuclear power station to burn that 10kg of uranium etcetera? It is easier to simply reduce consumption of hydrocarbons.

 

[Da Freddo]

Of course. And the carbon footprint of mining limestone, heating limestone, mining gravel for concrete plus mining and refining iron ore for steel reinforcing rods for the concrete and then transporting equipment to build the nuclear power station to burn that 10kg of uranium etcetera? It is easier to simply reduce consumption of hydrocarbons.

Agreed uranium is the way to go, SPREAD THE WORD...

 

[Rob44]

Agreed uranium is the way to go, SPREAD THE WORD...

Far more easy to stop driving cars.