QLDMining
Moranbah
A planned town placed between two giant coal mines.
1970Company town construction begins · coal workforce housed
WHAT STARTED IT
Utah Development began Moranbah in 1970 specifically to house workers for the Goonyella and Peak Downs coal mines. Unlike older settlements that grew around a pub or station, it was planned with housing and civic amenities from the outset.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
A school opened in 1971, the coal railway to Hay Point in 1972 and a hospital in 1974. Further mine development repeatedly expanded the town and introduced a large fly-in, fly-out workforce.
TURNING POINTS
1970Construction of the planned mining town begins.
1972Coal railway opens to Hay Point.
1974Hospital opens.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A young Bowen Basin mining centre whose shops, services and sporting facilities support both resident families and the surrounding coal industry.