Residents of Moranbah near BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) coal mining operations in central Queensland will benefit from improved access to support and services, with the opening of a new youth and community centre.

BMA Caval Ridge Mine General Manager, Dan Iliffe joined Queensland Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke (pictured) and Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker to officially open the $9 million Moranbah Youth and Community Centre.

The multi-purpose centre, which will provide a new focal point for youth and community support services, was developed under a partnership project with the Queensland Government, with BMA contributing $5.2 million.

“The Moranbah Youth and Community Centre will be a one-stop-shop for a range of human and social services,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The centre is a major community asset, which is intended to generate a more family-centric environment in Moranbah, smoothing population swings and providing greater stability in social investment and service delivery.”

The Centre incorporates space for youth and community activities, counselling rooms, open-plan office space and meeting rooms.

BMA Asset President James Palmer said partnering with the Queensland Government and Isaac Regional Council to deliver such a critical piece of infrastructure was a vote of confidence in the sustainability of Moranbah.

“Not only is it important to our development as a company, it’s a thriving community that many of our people call home.” Mr Palmer said.

“We want Moranbah to continue growing stronger alongside us.”

Cr Baker, said the Moranbah Youth and Community Centre complemented the range of community facilities already established in Moranbah, including the Community Centre and Administration Centre and recreation facilities.

“The site of the centre is central to facilities and services which residents regularly access,” Cr Baker said.

“The centre is complementary to services delivered by the council and links with council’s interest in furthering youth policy in Moranbah.”

Located at the corner of Mills Avenue and Appleton Street, the "Mick" as it has become known is central to existing facilities and services which residents regularly access.

Long-standing organisations Moranbah District Support Services and Emergency & Long Term Accommodation in Moranbah will deliver their services from the new centre, together with a number of visiting agencies.