A long-delayed expansion of the mining camp is finally underway, with another 80 accommodation beds set to help ease growing pressure on the town’s housing and accommodation supply as mining activity continues to increase across the region.
Work has started on expanding the Cobar Mining Village, located about 600 metres from town on the Nyngan Road, to increase its capacity from 119 to 199 beds.
First proposed in 2019 by Rovest Holdings Pty Ltd, the project underwent years of planning, community objections, an independent review and Land and Environment Court proceedings before receiving final approval.
Camp owner Brendan Rouse said the lengthy approval process had been beyond their control, but he was pleased to finally see the expansion taking shape.
“The units have landed on site and we’re just working through the connection of them now and the associated works,” Mr Rouse told The Cobar Weekly yesterday.
He expects the new accommodation will be ready for occupation in the coming months.
He said local trades are being used in the construction phase including an electrical contractor and a local plumber.
“Then there’s the builder that goes up there regularly to maintain the place, doing the installation work,” he said.
The expanded camp is also expected to create additional permanent jobs.
With the facility increasing from 119 to 199 beds, Mr Rouse estimates staffing will grow by about one-third.
The expansion comes as mining activity across the Cobar region continues to gather momentum.
Recent mining developments include Aurelia Metals extending the Peak Mine’s life to 2035, Harmony CSA Mine’s $50-$60 million drilling program, Endeavor’s strong high-grade drilling results, Tritton Operations reporting a significant increase in its mineral resource, and Manuka Resources preparing to restart operations at Wonawinta.
Exploration success has also continued, with encouraging results recently reported by Mount Hope Mining at Mt Solitary and West Cobar Metals at Bulla Park, further adding to confidence in the region’s mining future and demand for worker accommodation.
“I think it’s going to be good for the area,” Mr Rouse said. “It’s the mining companies that are creating the demand and we’re there to service it. “Most of the motel rooms are either booked out by contractors or owned by the mining companies.
“We’re providing accommodation specific for people who don’t really want any other options. “The people that come into our facility, when you put them in houses and motels, it has other adverse effects on the community,” Mr Rouse said.
