‘Inappropriate’ camp fears
DEVELOPERS are looking to erect a 404-bed mining accommodation camp near an NQ primary school, but some concerned residents are labelling the location “inappropriate.”
A development application submitted to Charters Towers Council on behalf of Charters Towers Operations Pty Ltd is looking to build a workforce accommodation camp at 82-92 Deanes Rd, Millchester.
Plans show the developer is seeking a material change of use for the 5.5ha site — located across the road from Millchester State School — to build the 404-bed facility, with construction expected to begin next February.
It is intended that the camp will house workers for the Pajingo Gold Mine, located 80km south of Charters Towers, according to the development application.
The proposed accommodation will consist of 101 demountable buildings, each containing four rooms and each room will provide for one worker and contain a bed and ensuite.
The site will also have a 70m long bus bay across from the main reception building and have 261 on-site carparking spaces, accessed via an entrance on Deanes Road.
The amenity buildings will also be constructed of demountable and include six laundries, two first aid centres, a kitchen/mess hall and a reception/office.
The development application said employee rosters were staggered, so the worker’s camp was expected to be at a maximum of 75 per cent used at any one time, equating to 303 workers.
The traffic impact statement by RMA Engineers included in the application said the maximum potential number of daily trips to/from the site is expected to be 174.
It also said no high-risk or adverse safety deficiencies were identified on the external road network, and that addition of development traffic wouldn’t require any mitigation.
A Department of Education spokeswoman said they were aware of a proposed development being considered for a lot opposite Millchester State School.
“The department is lodging a submission to Charters Towers Regional Council in response to the proposed development,” she said.
“Should this development be progressed, the school and the department will work with all relevant parties to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the safety of students, staff and the school community.”
One concerned Milchester resident, who did not wish to be named, said they were firmly against the development going ahead.
“It is inappropriate to have a miner’s camp of this size next to a primary school,” she said.
“I’m concerned how it could affect the safety of students, the local traffic and the noise impacts as well.”
In their application, the developer said it did not expect the development would increase noise above the existing level.