Local government and planning minister Desley Boyle used her “call in” powers to take control of the development in Central Queensland. During July this year the Belyando Shire Council approved plans to turn 63 hectares of rural land into 350 residential lots.

“This is a very difficult issue for the council. Because of the coal boom, towns such as Moranbah, anticipated to grow by 60% in the next three years, are experiencing serious and urgent housing shortages,” Boyle said.

“However, this land also contains valuable coal resources and a Mineral Development Licence has been issued to explore these deposits.”

Boyle said a long-term plan, in consultation with mining companies, was needed to devise how Moranbah would deal with the anticipated increase in population.

“We are also conscious that the residents of Moranbah don’t want opencut mines too close to the town with the subsequent dust and general nuisance that brings with it. At the same time we recognise it is the mining industry which provides the jobs and underpins the future economic security of Moranbah.”

Boyle is expected to make a decision on the development’s fate by late-September.