Narrabri Shire Council, and The Courier, have been given an exclusive tour of the new MAC Village in Boggabri, as work continues for completion later this year.
During yesterday’s inspection, a cheque for $1.8 million was handed to Narrabri shire mayor, Conrad Bolton, as part of the required development contribution from The Mac.
It will be used to upgrade and support community infrastructure in Boggabri and the wider shire.
The MAC miners’ accommodation
on Caloola Road is a jewel in the crown of The MAC’s accommodation network, the company says.
The first guests check-in at the start of August, with the project under construction since March. The complex will have 508 rooms in the first stage.
With an expected flow of at least 1000 contractors and workers soon to be engaged in the construction of new mines in the region, there is still expected to be a significant shortfall of accommodation, to be picked up by local providers.
Boggabri and the shire infrastructure funds have been given a boost with the donation of $1.8 million from the The MAC as the new Boggabri MAC village nears completion.
Yesterday, The MAC’s general manager for development, Geoff Dearden, presented the cheque to Narrabri shire mayor Cr Conrad Bolton as the mayor and a council party inspected the new village.
The $1.8 million, a required development contribution from The MAC, will be used to upgrade and support community infrastructure in Boggabri and the shire.
The MAC miners’ accommodation village on Caloola Road, is a state of the art, jewel in the crown of The MAC’s accommodation network.
The project has been custom designed for the site, and resembles a resort, set among scenic rolling hills.
The first guests check-in at the start of August. The project has been under construction since March with 508 rooms in the first stage.
However, with an expected inflow of at least 1000 contractors and workers soon to be engaged in the construction of the new and expanded district mines, there is still expected to be a significant shortfall of accommodation to be picked up by local providers.
Narrabri shire’s mayor Conrad Bolton, with councillors Cath Collyer and John Tough, and corporate services director Paul Wearne and economic development manager Bill Birch, were among the group which toured the village on Wednesday.
Mr Dearden said the $1.8 million development contribution was one of a number of initiatives to support the growing region.
“Our $1.8million development contribution is only part of our commitment to the region. We are also funding the upgrades to Boston Street, Caloola Road and the Kamilaroi Highway.
“Future stages of our village will involve us upgrading the Boggabri sewage treatment plant and water bore,” Mr Dearden said.
“These upgrade works and contributions will ensure we pay our fair share, making sure the shire’s ratepayers aren’t footing the bill.
“Through our existing MAC Village in Narrabri we have been able to grow our local business relationships and look forward to continuing to spend locally.
“In 2012 we spent over $12,000 with local businesses every day in the shire, totalling more than $6.5 million over the year.
“We have also completed staffing for our Boggabri village’s hospitality team, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to recruit staff from Boggabri and the surrounding area. Employing locally is a win-win for us and the community.”
Mr Dearden added that although guests will start to arrive from the start of August, work will continue on the first stage of the village until late 2013. The community will also be invited to inspect the facility.