April 4, 2025
Road accidents in Central Queensland’s mining heartland are twice as likely to be fatal than the state average. The MEU Queensland District is rolling out a Road Safety Roadshow with events across the Bowen Basin to raise awareness, change this tragic statistic and save lives.
The first event took place in Middlemount on February 28, followed by another in Dysart on March 8. Events have been well-attended, including presentations, Q&A sessions and open discussions for the community to provide feedback on the campaign. More events will follow soon.
The District is working with fatigue specialist Naomi Rogers-Woodhouse, who has studied the cause of many accidents in the region and is committed to working with the industry and the Union to reduce fatigue-related fatalities.
District Vice-President Heath Timmins said MEU is dedicated to advocating for critical improvements to roads and driving conditions in the Bowen Basin; ensuring mining companies comply with fatigue policies to protect worker safety; and raising awareness about safe driver behaviour. The overall aim is to reduce the number of road accidents in coal regions and save lives.
“The safety of members, families and communities are a top priority for the union,” Heath said.
“We urgently need safer roads and better infrastructure in our mining towns and on the roads which our members and their families regularly drive on.
“Unfortunately, the statistics show that road crashes in our state’s mining heartland in Central Queensland are more than twice as deadly as the average fatality rate of road crashes across the state.
“We believe that work doesn’t stop at the pit gate. Because the mine worker doesn’t only need to come out of the mine, he or she needs to make it home safe as well. This campaign is an extension of our commitment to safety in all aspects.”
