ALL EYES ON ISAAC with Mayor Kelly Vea Vea of Isaac Regional Council

2025 marks a pivotal chapter for our communities. It’s a chance to build something greater than ourselves. Across our 17 towns, we drive Queensland’s economy forward through the strength of our mining, agriculture, and service sectors. I’ve spent nearly all my life in the Bowen Basin, and I’ve seen the successes and struggles of regional communities firsthand. As Mayor of Isaac Regional Council, I want to lead a region that not only contributes to our state’s economy but also receives the investment and support we need to do what we do best.

For us to look ahead, we need to reflect on the past 12 months. 2024 saw a new Mayor and CEO, five new councillors, a new state government, and a federal election to come in 2025. It might sound like a lot of changes all at once, but the foundation of our “home” here at Isaac Regional Council hasn’t changed.

Our purpose is still the same: to serve our community and deliver projects that make a difference. These changes aren’t about tearing down the house; they’re about keeping it strong. During the 2024 Local Government Elections, I heard loud and clear from industry, community, and businesses that we need more investment in our road network. These roads were never built to handle the size and scope of the pressure they are under. Our roads are critical for our economy and community well-being.
This is why, in 2024, I took on the role of Chair for the Queensland Beef Corridors Committee. Together with six other councils, our advocacy efforts secured $500 million in funding for sealing key road networks. In 2025, we will see the finalisation of the funding prioritisation for QBC and the beginning of the $47.5 million early works program that includes Fitzroy Development Rd, May Downs Rd, and Clermont-Alpha Rd. This is a great step towards improving the roads around the Bowen Basin, but it is far from enough.

We will be working across all levels of government to advocate for a Royalties Road Package initiative. This plan proposes funding over the next five years for the Dysart-Middlemount Road, Peak Downs Mine Rd, Saraji Rd, and the Peak Downs Highway. It seeks to increase our road maintenance funding and help clear the backlog of deficiencies we are accumulating. These projects might not be flashy, but they’re the lifelines that sustain Isaac’s growth and ensure the safety of everyone.

2025 will see the first Country University Centres in Isaac. As the cost of living and housing shortages impact the state, we know they also impact kids from regional areas accessing tertiary education. Investing in centres that provide educational support, equipment, and social networks for those studying by distance or doing an apprenticeship or traineeship has proven to be successful in regional areas across the country. This is a project that not only speaks to who we are as regional communities but also to who we want to be.

We want to be a region where you don’t have to leave to access support for traineeships, apprenticeships, and university education. We want to be a region of equal opportunity, where higher education isn’t just for people who can afford to send their kids to regional centres and cities. We want to be a region that offers the choice for people to be here and invest in themselves and their future, whatever their background, age, or stage in life. We want to be a region that backs our people.

In 2024, we secured a $2 million investment from the State Government’s Resource Communities Infrastructure Fund to bring study hubs to Clermont and Moranbah. Isaac Regional Charity Fund, which I have the honour of chairing, donated $100,000 to support the operations of these education hubs. I hope that kick starts co-contributions from our huge industry sectors.

The lack of affordable housing remains a nationwide challenge. The surge we’ve seen in mine expansions and new projects has only resulted in more camp applications, not residential growth.

This is extremely disappointing when we’ve all known for over a decade that population balance between resident and non-resident workers is fundamental to our sustainability.

New housing for our region has been generated by the not-for-profit Isaac Affordable Housing Trust (IAHT), which is run by a volunteer board. This year we opened 16 new housing units for essential workers in Moranbah, with another 14 on the way. IAHT is also working through new development approvals for Clermont. IAHT is one way to attract workers that service our communities. Whether a mineworker lives in a house full-time or a camp six months of a year, everyone deserves access to medical professionals, emergency services, and support from government, hospitality, and small business workers.

The Isaac region remains a leader in Queensland’s resource and renewable industries, with 31 active coal mines and 26 renewable energy projects at different stages of development. These industries drive significant revenue for the state, and we are committed to ensuring our communities benefit directly from this success.

The Save Glenden’ legislation that enshrined in law QCoal’s original commitments to the community will be put to the test in 2025. One of my first actions as Mayor was to reach out to the company and offer to work together on solutions. It was disappointing this offer was ignored. Instead, QCoal chose to drop $1 million on a campaign against the State Government.

The first milestone of QCoal’s workforce relocation under the Mineral Resources (Glenden) Act is in March. This is when they are due to have 10% of their workers in town as per their original commitment at the time of Byerwyn Mine’s approval. We are yet to understand if the new state government will enforce the ‘Save Glenden’ legislation.

The community has had no information on their future. My offer to work with QCoal still stands.

Our Council is playing a role in shaping the Queensland Law Reform Commission’s recommendations on the mining lease objections process. Working alongside resource councils across Queensland, we are committed to ensuring this review leads to a better system for communities hosting large-scale resource and renewable projects. We are equally focused on removing barriers to co-locate renewable energy projects on operating and decommissioned mine sites. This could unlock new opportunities for Isaac and carve a place for us in Australia’s future energy mix.

After 13 years in local government, I’m not only passionate about serving my region but also about the local government sector. In 2024, I was elected District 7’s delegate on the policy executive and a board member of the LGAQ. My job is to champion issues that matter to the broader Greater Whitsunday region and help guide the peak body that represents 77 Queensland councils.

There is no doubt that at the heart of every policy, project, and event are the people who make Isaac what it is. They deliver the Nebo Rodeo, Clermont Wombat Festival, the Isaac Region Show, Middlemount Races, and St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, volunteering time and care to create experiences and memories that define us. I know firsthand the generosity of spirit that defines Isaac. It’s clear that while our communities may be small, our contributions are big. From miners and farmers to volunteers, council workers, and teachers, each one of us plays a role in Isaac’s success.

As we look toward the new year, I am excited by the opportunities that lie ahead. Of course, there will be challenges, but we have a strong Council team. They aren’t afraid to do the heavy lifting. They aren’t afraid to expect more from those who benefit greatly from our resources. Every day, I get to work with people who go above and beyond, and for that, I’m very grateful. Thank you to everyone who continues to give their time, care, and support to our communities, and on behalf of Isaac Regional Council, I wish you all the best for 2025.

isaac.qld.gov.au

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