Business
2 April, 2025
Infrastructure projects would stimulate Dajarra economy: local
Roadhouse owner Scott Punch wants to see other projects fast-tracked to help the Dajarra economy.
One of the biggest employers in Dajarra says economic stimulus is urgently needed to assist the township following the shutdown of the Ardmore phosphate mine.
Scott Punch is the second largest creditor following the Ardmore closure and had not been paid for leasing his equipment to the mine for several months prior to the shutdown.
The Dajarra local owns Punchy’s Earthmoving, as well as the Dajarra Roadhouse, and has employed dozens of community members to work on projects throughout the region since returning to the township about four years ago.
Mr Punch said at least six locals were directly employed at the Ardmore site and there were multiple support roles, such as mine accommodation cleaners, who lived in Dajarra.
He said a long-term reliable infrastructure project was required to provide some stable income for families affected by the shutdown.
“I have had a few of the local blokes who worked at Ardmore come to me and ask for work,” he said.
“I have been able to give them a few days work here and there, but nothing long-term.
“Even my bore sinking business has slowed right down recently due to all the wet weather.
“If we had a project that lasted longer, we could at least provide some stable income for people in the town while we wait to see what is happening at the mine.”
Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell said he was in state parliament this week lobbying for funding to extend the sealing of the Cloncurry Duchess Road.
“We have an application in with the state government and we are pushing for them to see that it is work that is really needed for Dajarra,” he said.