Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Visit and Wreath Laying

Madam Mayor; Deputy Mayor and fellow members of the Miners’ Memorial Committee; first responders; ladies and gentlemen.

I at one acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, extending respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

It is a great honour to join you all today at this moving memorial.

Queenslanders appreciate that mining is not without risk. An industry so entwined with our wellbeing and prosperity can at once also be deadly.

The names of the 13 miners inscribed forever here on sandstone are a tangible reminder of this stark reality.

We live in perpetual hope, as a community, that once the hard work in the earth is done, miners shall forevermore emerge to the caress of a fresh breeze across their face.

The townspeople of Moranbah held their collective breathe when this memorial was unveiled in November last. That number, 13, they hoped, would not soon swell.

If we may dwell momentarily in the realm of the spirit, the eternal light which preserves their memory kept a watchful eye over the Grosvenor mine on May 6 this year.  

I thank the first responders that night – the paramedics, doctors, nurses and hospital staff, their able administrators. You performed your duties in the finest traditions of your professions.

I extend my best wishes to the injured and their families and colleagues.

Finally, I thank Isaac Regional Council, the union lodges and branches, artists and all supporters. Through this memorial, you have created a dignified space for peaceful reflection and contemplation in the life of this town.

It faithfully preserves the memory of the fallen, and is a proud testament to the grit and determination of the people of Moranbah.