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.

 

[Gsr]

In this day of such great homelessness why would it be even considered ok to demolish a town. Someone needs to be held responsible to make sure this town survives.

 

[Leenie]

Time for the government to step up and stop this happening ,with so many homeless people this is outrageous .They need to get out of their air conditioning office and into the real world and see what’s going on around them.

 

[Da Freddo]

Time for the government to step up and stop this happening ,with so many homeless people this is outrageous .They need to get out of their air conditioning office and into the real world and see what’s going on around them.

Tell that to the people who lived in LEIGH CREEK, STH AUST.
Even the ghosts have left!!
All because the GOVT shut down Pt Augusta's coal fired power station.
So, what do you want the GOVT to DO?
They are the CLOWNS who shut it down, after they built a new town where the people bought brand new houses.

 

[Macarj]

In this day of such great homelessness why would it be even considered ok to demolish a town. Someone needs to be held responsible to make sure this town survives.

That's the government the company would have to abide by the contract where the government has stated the land must be returned to pre mining situation so the government has to stop it going ahead

 

[Leenie]

Get rid of the government ,we Aussies need to start our own political party for the people funded by the people like a union this way we can achieve what the people want . It’s time for the forgotten people to act. Maybe I’m hopeful, but something needs to happen we can’t keep going down the slippery slope as what’s happening now.

 

[Leenie]

That's the government the company would have to abide by the contract where the government has stated the land must be returned to pre mining situation so the government has to stop it going ahead

That’s only where they were mining not the township.

 

[Rob44]

We need to phase out coal-mining and natural gas production if civilisation is to survive to the end of this century and that is the reality of global warming. This has been known by scientists and our idiot politicians for the last 50 years. Our changing global climate is already destabilising many and it will worsen in the next 25 years. Qcoal does not hold the answer; just another coal-mine that will close one day. That is the fate of all mining towns that depend on one product, irrespective of what is mined.

I have no happy answer to that kind of problem, given the type of short-sighted people who vote for short-sighted politicians.

 

[croz]

That's the government the company would have to abide by the contract where the government has stated the land must be returned to pre mining situation so the government has to stop it going ahead

OK ,THE GOVERNMENT has said put the land back to how it was ,Did the arse wipes in government give a thought at ALL about the PEOPLE / VOTERS , WHO live there = where are we going to rehouse these people ,would it really hurt ANYONE to leave ALL THE PEOPLE THERE ?

 

[Da Freddo]

We need to phase out coal-mining and natural gas production if civilisation is to survive to the end of this century and that is the reality of global warming. This has been known by scientists and our idiot politicians for the last 50 years. Our changing global climate is already destabilising many and it will worsen in the next 25 years. Qcoal does not hold the answer; just another coal-mine that will close one day. That is the fate of all mining towns that depend on one product, irrespective of what is mined.

I have no happy answer to that kind of problem, given the type of short-sighted people who vote for short-sighted politicians.

YES, WELL SAID ROB 44
Australia is doing it's bit to help climate control by closing 2 mines and shutting down a couple of power stations.
That will help save the planet I THINK NOT, when CHINA & INDIA & EUROPE are building power stations
by the hundreds!!! WE contribute LESS THAN 2%... YES LESS THAN 2% of GLOBAL WARMING, IT HAS BEEN PROVED THAT AUSSIE EMISSIONS ARE NEGATED BY AUSSIE NATURE....

 

[Mr Chips]

Tell that to the people who lived in LEIGH CREEK, STH AUST.
Even the ghosts have left!!
All because the GOVT shut down Pt Augusta's coal fired power station.
So, what do you want the GOVT to DO?
They are the CLOWNS who shut it down, after they built a new town where the people bought brand new houses.

That would be really great if they built "brand new homes" replacing the existing ones but we cannot get anyone to build any in the quantity required anywhere else. Don't forget the tens of thousands of migrants and asylum seekers we have to find spaces for over the coming few months! They are after all much more important than existing residents.

 

[gordon1940]

Who owns the House/Land? Is Rental payable? Is it possible to lodge a Caveat by the Resident?

 

[Ronloby]

STOP ALL IMMIGRATION UNTIL people in Australia have a house over their heads. We don't need all these extra people coming until the WHOLE situation of the financial burden has been addressed and that will take a couple of years yet.

 

[Leenie]

STOP ALL IMMIGRATION UNTIL people in Australia have a house over their heads. We don't need all these extra people coming until the WHOLE situation of the financial burden has been addressed and that will take a couple of years yet.

Stop all immigration we have enough free loaders now, time to look after Aussies first and foremost.

 

[Leenie]

OK ,THE GOVERNMENT has said put the land back to how it was ,Did the arse wipes in government give a thought at ALL about the PEOPLE / VOTERS , WHO live there = where are we going to rehouse these people ,would it really hurt ANYONE to leave ALL THE PEOPLE THERE ?

The government only think of themselves we are only the little people who pay taxes.

 

[Lynjw]

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.'

View attachment 26396

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.

Why can’t it b used to house homeless or aboriginal communities

 

[Rob44]

YES, WELL SAID ROB 44
Australia is doing it's bit to help climate control by closing 2 mines and shutting down a couple of power stations.
That will help save the planet I THINK NOT, when CHINA & INDIA & EUROPE are building power stations
by the hundreds!!! WE contribute LESS THAN 2%... YES LESS THAN 2% of GLOBAL WARMING, IT HAS BEEN PROVED THAT AUSSIE EMISSIONS ARE NEGATED BY AUSSIE NATURE....

The problem is simple. Every little helps. It's your kids and grandkids who will suffer from our collective laziness and stupidity in not doing anything to change our sprawling and yes, greedy, Australian lifestyle during the last 50 years. Global warming has been understood as a developing threat for that long.

Secondly, mining towns shut down when the mining stops. That's the other problem. Mines generally have a limited life. So how to replace that single industry at Glenden? Otherwise the town dies, as do a great many mining towns.

 

[Da Freddo]

Why can’t it be used to house homeless or aboriginal communities?

check out Tennant Creek,
back in the early 2000's I drove to Borroloola, King Ash
bay, for 10 days of Barra fishing.
Driving into Tennant Creek heading North the houses on the left-hand side were all Govt owned, they were completely burned out 50 plus houses, {AT WHAT COST TO THE COMMUNITY??}
These were Abo consigned houses.
WHY WASTE THE MONEY???
THEY DON'T CARE LESS...

I HAVE WORKED AT NEPPABUNNA, ERNABELLA, and YALATA installing and commissioning power generation to these god forsaken places, and they don't give a f$%k what you do to help.
We were broken into the first full day at work there {YALATA} No tools taken but personal belongings gone.
And that is why I don't give a F%$K about any issues concerning are indigenous minority.
Take it or leave it, it's not worth the hassle or the arguments....

 

[Da Freddo]

The problem is simple. Every little helps. It's your kids and grandkids who will suffer from our collective laziness and stupidity in not doing anything to change our sprawling and yes, greedy, Australian lifestyle during the last 50 years. Global warming has been understood as a developing threat for that long.

Secondly, mining towns shut down when the mining stops. That's the other problem. Mines generally have a limited life. So how to replace that single industry at Glenden? Otherwise the town dies, as do a great many mining towns.

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

 

[Leenie]

check out Tennant Creek,
back in the early 2000's I drove to Borroloola, King Ash
bay, for 10 days of Barra fishing.
Driving into Tennant Creek heading North the houses on the left-hand side were all Govt owned, they were completely burned out 50 plus houses, {AT WHAT COST TO THE COMMUNITY??}
These were Abo consigned houses.
WHY WASTE THE MONEY???
THEY DON'T CARE LESS...

I HAVE WORKED AT NEPPABUNNA, ERNABELLA, and YALATA installing and commissioning power generation to these god forsaken places, and they don't give a f$%k what you do to help.
We were broken into the first full day at work there {YALATA} No tools taken but personal belongings gone.
And that is why I don't give a F%$K about any issues concerning are indigenous minority.
Take it or leave it, it's not worth the hassle or the arguments....

They did the same in CQ lit fires inside the homes hung their rears out of windows using it as toilets they don’t give a damn its not them paying the cost just us stupid whites