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Introduction
Work has been halted at a major North Queensland infrastructure project after maggots were found in a meal served to a worker, prompting the suspension of an on-site camp and the removal of more than 100 workers. The incident has raised renewed concerns about food safety and hygiene standards at large, remote construction camps.
Details of the Incident
Genex confirmed it has suspended the camp facility at its Kidston Pumped Hydro Project, located about 285 kilometres west of Townsville, following a food-related incident involving a pre-packed crib meal supplied on January 10.
Photographs provided by a worker and supplied to the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) showed the meal contained maggots. Genex said the incident related to a single meal but confirmed it was investigating the matter.
Between 150 and 200 workers are understood to be employed on the project, with more than 100 workers flown offsite after the camp was shut down.
Camp Suspension and Regulatory Action
Genex said the local council had issued a show-cause notice to the camp operator, outlining an extensive list of improvement requirements.
“Genex has decided to temporarily suspend the operation of the camp facility while the improvement requirements are actioned,” a company spokesperson said.
“Genex is supporting the contractor to demobilise the workforce from the site, and will maintain the operation of the camp facility until this has occurred.”
The company said only a small number of workers would remain onsite while remediation works are completed.
Union Concerns Over Food and Hygiene
The Queensland Electrical Trades Union said the maggot-infested meal was not an isolated issue, claiming workers had raised concerns about food quality and hygiene standards since the start of the project.
ETU organiser Rob Hill said:
“This has been a long time coming. There’ve been complaints about the food since the very start of the project.”
“If anybody thinks it’s OK to feed workers chicken with maggots in it, they’d be having a bit of a lend of themselves.”
Hill said the union had pushed for workers to be removed from the site on safety grounds, despite assurances that the camp was safe to operate.
Industrial Dispute Escalates
Construction contractors McDonnell Dowell Constructions and John Holland have applied to the Queensland Fair Work Commission, alleging the removal of workers constitutes industrial action. The matter is scheduled to be heard on Thursday.
The ETU rejected that claim, arguing the decision was based solely on safety concerns.
“The argument comes down to whether it’s safety or industrial action,” Hill said.
“We rightly argue that it is safety-related.”
Conclusion
The shutdown has disrupted work on one of Queensland’s largest renewable energy projects, underscoring the critical role of food safety and hygiene in remote work environments. As investigations continue and improvement notices are addressed, Genex says it will work to upgrade camp facilities before construction resumes.