BUSINESS leaders fear operational changes at Boggabri coal mine could leave a hole in the local economy.
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Up to 450 people currently working at the Idemitsu-owned mine will have to reapply for their jobs when it switches operators from Downer to BGC Contracting on December 1 under a $700 million contract change.
The mining union fears families could leave the area, while BGC insists it will do all it can to re-employ current Downer staff.
Boggabri Progress Association president John Shaw hoped the changeover would have minimum disruption on the community.
“While I haven’t spoken directly to either the mine or the contractors, we as a business and progress association would not like to see any of our community lose their jobs,” Mr Shaw said.
Gunnedah Business Chamber president Mike Broekman said it could have a significant impact on the residential and retails sectors should staff move away.
“We hope there’s minimal impacts on the communities of Boggabri, Gunnedah and Narrabri,” he said.