HAVE WE MADE THE MOUNT MORGAN PROBLEM TOO HARD?

Last week I chose to drive up to Mackay to do a presentation on "Transformation to innovation eco-systems", and attend the Qld Mining & Engineering Exhibition. It gave me a chance to visit a number of abandoned mine sites, or mine sites with repurposing and remediation potential. 

I also met some very committed and knowledgable regional government agency people who could see those opportunities to create a net better ESG outcomes. To gain a broader appreciation of the impact of mine closure I stayed overnight in the Grand Hotel Mount Morgan. Their service and presentation of accomodation cannot be faulted. However, the aftermath of a significant mine closure on a town was very apparent.

What stuck me was the depth and complexity of the issues and the expanding list of interested parties in what should be a modest turnaround opportunity to re-commercialise, repurpose and remediate a heritage mine site. This is a community where a pragmatic collaboration of net best interests should be a priority for all stakeholders.

Somewhere amidst the myriad of regulations, self interest and social consciousness lies a collaborative ‘Net Better Outcome”. Assisting to pull this together requires the innovative eco-system mindset, something that enviroMETS Qld can set as a goal.