ONE new coal mine inspector has started work in Rockhampton and another will begin duties next month as the push to protect coal mine workers continues.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the inspectors were the first of four new recruits boosting the ranks of the state's coal and metalliferous mine and quarry inspectors to 46.
"Two out of three of our inspectors are in regional Queensland because that's where most of the mines are," Ms Lauga said.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said the two new inspectors had "strong mining engineer credentials" and 68 years' combined experience in the coal industry.
Additional inspectors will be deployed in Mackay and Mount Isa in the weeks ahead.
Acting Mines Minister Mark Ryan said the new inspectors joined a team of mines inspectors who serviced mines and quarries from Cape York in Far North Queensland to the south-east corner and west to the Northern Territory border.
"Having most of our inspectors in the regions gives workers and the industry more efficient access ... that's critical to implementing this government's current and upcoming health and safety reforms," Mr Ryan said.
Some of the reforms Mr Ryan referenced include better detection and prevention of black lung, increased maximum penalties and powers for the regulator powers to issue fines without going to court and a commitment to tighter controls on mine dust levels.
Alan Welburn
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
