Left around 10am and went to Glenden for morning tea. This is a mining town “Glencore” and had a really nice town centre. Only problem that is now mostly closed down. Still has a bakery - so we had to support them. Talking to a local it seems that the mining company changed its rosters to 7 on 7 off and this led to people moving away and there are now many empty houses. “Fly in fly out” has taken over.
Then came through to Collinsville for a late lunch after shopping at the IGA. We came past several coal mines today and the wattle was coming out along this stretch. Driving through this area of central queensland you can understand how much coal mining means to this state. Hence the federal election result in Qld!
Collinsville calls itself the Capital for pit ponies as it was the last area for mines using pit ponies in Australia. Retired in 1991.
This afternoon we visited the “Coalface Experience” which was very interesting, especially as Ken’s father was an underground coal miner all his working life.
Tonight we are in a free camp at the local showground which has been really well done to encourage tourists to stay in town.
Tomorrow we will move to the coast coming onto the Bruce Highway at Bowen and staying somewhere north. Another painted water tank there.
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