Coal seam gas (CSG) is not perceived to have had a significant presence in the Isaac region, in the past or present. Instead, mining is the dominant driver of social and economic dynamics locally; consequently, the impact of CSG is perceived to be “very minimal”.

In 2017, several common emergent themes were apparent in the social and economic indicators for Moranbah and Dysart.

Following the mining downturn in 2014 and 2015, there is now reportedly a general sense in community spirit that the social and economic situations in Moranbah and Dysart (e.g. population, housing, business activity, incomes, and employment rate) are starting to look up.

The resident population of the two towns are in decline. For Moranbah, this has been a very slow decrease since 2012; however, for Dysart this has been a longer term trend, pre-dating the recent resources boom. Opposing drivers leave uncertainty in the community over future expectations—anticipated expansion of local mining activity is expected to drive an increase in local jobs and NRWS, while the increasing industry trend towards long rosters is reportedly not conducive to workers establishing their lives and families in town.

Unemployment has decreased in the last two years. This may be attributed in part to a gradual recovery since the mining downturn in 2015. However, as purpose-built mining towns, Dysart and Moranbah have limited employment opportunities outside mining; consequently, job seekers generally leave town when work is not available.

Average individual income decreased in Dysart and Moranbah as mining and CSG industries moved into “low cost operating mode” in 2015. Many employment contracts were reportedly terminated, and the rest were renewed at lower rates; affected workers shifted from highly paid, permanent jobs to lower paid, casual contracts. However, in 2017 (not shown in the latest ATO data) individual incomes have reportedly begun to increase, and more locals have secured high-paying work in mining.

Housing markets appear to have stabilised or improved. In 2017, house values increased in Dysart and Moranbah for the first time since 2012. Median rent remains stable at depressed prices (lowest since 2005). Residents have a sense that the housing situation is “equalizing” and “picking up”, with steady growth expected in the near future. However, some expect an increase in long rosters (resulting in fewer families living in the towns) to affect the future demand for and occupancy of housing, which may lead to a decrease in prices and rents.

For more information about this research contact Dr Katherine Witt k.witt@uq.edu.au or ph. 07 3346 3442.