The event was fully booked, but those who arrived without reservations did not turn down the offer of a seat up the back in order to learn about progress on the long-awaited Stage Two of Moolarben Mine. 

The businesses represented show the wide range of enterprises that  benefit from mining in the region. 

 As well as mining equipment suppliers and earthmovers, there were questions from waste service and tyre companies, and  a local physiotherapy company.  Accommodation, recreation, and food services also stand to benefit. 

The turnout also reflected concern over “mixed messages” about the outlook for the coal industry.   At a time when local companies have foreshadowed job losses, Moolarben has approval to expand and Glencore is seeking approval to expand production.   The apparent contradiction may reflect the long-range planning which mining companies undertake, requiring them to look beyond the immediate future. 

However, as Mayor Des Kennedy, pointed out the main motivation for most attendees was to find out “what’s in it for me”, and there was among the questions a hint of scepticism about Moolarben’s commitment to using the services of local contractors where this is viable. 

The breakfast meeting and promise of an “internet portal” to allow local businesses to submit expressions of interest are a start to helping businesses find out how they can benefit from what will be the district’s major development project in the next few years. 

Hopefully Moolarben can follow through on this and take other measures to keep local businesses informed and involved.