In a world-first, workers in the resources heartland of Central Queensland now have access to a mobile health unit to help with the early detection of mine dust lung diseases.
Attending the HEART 5 Open Day in Mackay, Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the unit was important in protecting the region's resources workforce.
"Delivering HEART 5 was a commitment of the Palaszczuk Government and I'm thrilled to announce it's hit the road," Mr Stewart said.
Mr Stewart said current and former mine and quarry workers will have access to HEART 5.
"The mobile health unit visited Collinsville this week, allowing more than 60 retired miners to access lung checks for free," he said.
"The unit has already completed its first tour since its construction was completed in Brisbane, working with local medical providers to deliver respiratory health screening services to nearly 200 workers in the Bowen Basin."
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the resources industry was an important part of the city's economy.
"Thousands of people in Mackay work in the resources sector so this mobile health unit is important to making sure our region's workforce are looked after," she said.
"HEART 5 a revolutionary piece of technology that will bring high quality respiratory health screenings directly to mine and quarry workers in regional and remote parts of the state, including here in Central Queensland."
"I was part of the Parliamentary Committee which looked into mine dust lung disease so it's something very close to my heart and it's great to see HEART 5 start its vital work for our resources workers."
The delivery of the vehicle is part of the Government's response to the recommendations made by the Black Lung, White Lies report.
Through the unit, regional mine and quarry workers, and medical professionals can access a range of health services through a mobile medical imaging clinic that delivers lung checks to current and past workers.
Mr Stewart said HEART 5's ground-breaking design includes facilities which support medical providers and industry to deliver a range of important health monitoring provisions.
"For the first time we have been able to include a high-resolution CT scanner as well as other highly sensitive equipment onboard a mobile unit," Mr Stewart said.
"HEART 5 is a 56-tonne, 34-wheel road train built to withstand harsh Queensland conditions in long treks through remote areas to get these services that will help in the early detection of mine dust lung diseases to the workers and former workers who need them.
"As a government we are committed to the safety of mine and quarry workers.
"We have lowered allowable levels of dust exposure, introduced prescribed requirements for monitoring and reporting, and enhanced health surveillance across the mining sector and Queensland now has the toughest mine safety laws in the world."
Mr Stewart said HEART 5 was built by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.
"The Palaszczuk Government was proud to work with Heart of Australia, Resources Safety and Health Queensland, and other partners and contributors to develop this essential health service," Mr Stewart said.
"I look forward to seeing HEART 5 continue to support our regional mine and quarry workers, medical providers and industry and deliver world class services for many years to come."
