Transit worker accommodation in remote Australian mining communities: Push and pull factors

One of the key factors driving economic and social transitions in regional communities associated with mining is workforce size, location and mobility. The use of non-residential employees who commute long distances to work in block shifts and live in company-provided transit worker accommodation has become a common work practice in the mining sector and associated industries across Australia. Large transit worker accommodation facilities, especially those close to established towns in mining areas have attracted criticism, with many local leaders claiming they prevent the towns from expanding and developing as sustainable and viable urban centres. As the mining boom slows in Australia and the frenetic development and construction phase transitions to a steady operational state, there have been demands on resource companies to close them and use local housing and accommodation facilities and services.
This Chapter will explore the workforce supply and employee preference reasons which drive long distance commuting arrangements. It will also consider the complex economic and social consequences transit worker accommodation present for host communities, within the context of sustainable regional development and the provision of adequate infrastructure and services for both the mining industry and the local communities.