The Resources cycle impact on housing in Australian mining towns in the Bowen Basin, Queensland (2000-2016)
Creators: name: CONNELL-VARIY, Theodore
Publisher: name: RMIT University
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 339999
subject: Other built environment and design not elsewhere classified

description: Australia has just been through one of the biggest mining booms in its history, changing the landscape for housing and socioeconomic wellbeing in communities associated with the resources industry. Mining has been part of Australia since the mid-19th century and has played an important role in the formation of the nation. However, the recent mining cycle hallmarked by the 'boom' of 2008-2010 had several characteristics not previously experienced. The size and the scale of the mining cycle was unique, with severe value and production volatility. A myriad of factors drove the development of a new and unique cycle: these included operational changes in mining, and new property market structures and participants. These factors coalesced to create a series of unpredictable outcomes across resource communities in regional Queensland, particularly the Bowen Basin.

This research adopted a sequential mixed methods approach that used qualitative data analysis to add meaning and depth to descriptive and inferential quantitative analysis. A two-part quantitative data analysis process was undertaken: first, descriptive statistical testing was undertaken on data sets, producing charts and tables. Regression modelling was then undertaken on the quantitative data set. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software was employed and maps developed to facilitate spatial analysis of mining and housing across the Bowen Basin region over the resources cycle. Finally, the research employed in-depth, semi-structured interviews with local and regional property stakeholders, and other community members which was thematically analysed.

The performance of housing markets relative to resources sector performance was found to be anomalous over the duration of the cycle. It was also shown that resources sector volatility, and the associated housing market volatility, had impacted towns, but critically, had affected the underlying community, leading to questions regarding the post-boom phase of the cycle and community wellbeing in the future.

The impacts of this anomalous mining cycle directly affected housing markets, communities and social services provision. Critically, it was shown that the relationship between mining and housing changed over the course of the cycle, and more specifically, within this relationship, the role of housing in the case study communities also changed. The findings of this research are important in their analysis of the complex interplay between housing, governance and socioeconomic wellbeing across the resources cycle. It was found that changes caused by mining had direct impacts on community sustainability.

The research highlighted a range of gaps in knowledge; clear issues in how mining companies were interacting with towns and the underlying community. A range of new and developing research areas emerged. This research has added to the body of knowledge and the understanding of housing market nuances in the mining town setting. The mining cycle, through to, and including the post-boom phase, is now better understood, allowing for improved planning and policy responses for future cycles.