Minister Cripps Urges Qld Operators to Prepare for Severe Weather (Australia)

Queensland mines, quarries and petroleum and gas operations have been urged to ensure their emergency response plans are ready for severe weather events this summer.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said it was vital for all resource sector operators to have up-to-date site contingency plans ready to respond to any seasonal severe weather events.

“Every year Queensland’s summer is known for its sun and high temperatures, however our summers can also bring severe weather such as storms, cyclones and flash-flooding,” Mr Cripps said.

“In recent years we have seen several mines inundated by floodwaters and coal mining production brought to a standstill as a result of severe weather.

“The resources sector is not immune to severe weather and I urge operators and their workers to be aware of any potential hazards that could occur and have their response ready, during and after a severe weather event.”

The reminder comes after the Newman Government this week acknowledged the serious impact flooding has on mine operations by expanding the 2013-2014 Fitzroy Basin coal mine water pilot program.

Mr Cripps said the resources sector had welcomed this announcement from the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney, and he was confident mining operators would match the Government’s efforts.

“It remains prudent for mining operators to take whatever actions they can to prepare for and reduce the severity of flooding on their sites,” he said.

“DNRM has issued a safety bulletin to all industry operators to help them plan for the coming season.

“The bulletin contains a checklist of actions industry operators need to take before a severe weather event and during recovery operations afterwards.

“Queensland mining safety and health laws require all resource operations to have appropriate site safety and health management plans in place.

“They are expected to be aware of weather forecasts, and have an adequate emergency response and rescue plan in place in case severe weather causes injury to people or damage to buildings or infrastructure.

“They must also identify any potential hazards on site and secure machinery, equipment and infrastructure to make it safe before a severe weather event.”

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LNG World News Staff, November 01, 2013; Image: qld.gov.au