Moranbah Community Morning Tea

Isaac Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Kelly Vea Vea, CEO, Mr Cale Dendle, Councillors and staff; frontline and emergency services personnel and SES volunteers, local community members, welcome.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we are gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I are so pleased to be in Moranbah, on our first official visit to the Isaac Region, and thank you for your kind welcome.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to learn more about a community, that is not only one of Queensland’s youngest, but is also one of its most important—with the resources sector of the Bowen Basin contributing so significantly to the fortunes of our state, and far beyond.

Since the 1970s, when Moranbah was first developed as a planned township for the then newly established coal export workforce, it has grown steadily to become a thriving home to its residents and to the many FIFO workers.

Yet, as you are well aware, the wider Isaac region is not just renowned for its more than 30 coal operations.

It is also a hub for renewables, petroleum and gas, aquaculture, agribusiness, and has the second largest cattle herd in Queensland—all of which have seen Moranbah, as the biggest town in the region, develop into a unique community—one that is united by its pride in all that has been achieved here.

Perhaps most significantly, people here support each other—not just when times are difficult—but because it’s the Moranbah way.

Mayor Vea Vea—as part of a fourth-generation mining family herself—has mentioned how close-knit this community is, helping her navigate being a busy working mum—a situation I understand, having valued similar support when I moved to Rockhampton with my young daughter.

With so many young families living here, it is really wonderful to see comradery and friendship play such a big role in strengthening connections for the future.

I know too, that this town has seen more than its fair share of sadness—and, after our morning tea, I will be laying a wreath at the Miners Memorial, to pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives on the coalfields.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank those individuals here today—including members of the SES, First Responders, Community Organisations and the Isaac Regional Council—who can be relied upon to assist the Isaac region whenever the need arises, including everyone who helped Clermont through January’s devastating floods.

There can be no doubt that the qualities of optimism, industriousness, and innovation have defined this place from its beginnings. Initiatives such as the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct4, which is now underway, and the Isaac Country University Centres—which I will also visit this afternoon— are designed to encourage fresh thinking, and to support education and skills development, so people here can take advantage of new opportunities.

It has been my privilege, during my five years as Governor, to have visited many parts of Queensland.

What has always struck me when meeting those who live outside our cities, is how integral each individual is to that region’s wellbeing and vitality.

I know that every one of you here today—and living and working in your community—is contributing to ensure the Isaac region stays strong. Moranbah’s impact may be global, but at its heart are its people, and I thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment.

Graeme and I are looking forward to chatting with you over a cuppa.