Collingwood Park mine subsidence

Part of the Collingwood Park suburb is underlain by 2 decommissioned underground coal mines – Westfalen Number 3 and New Redbank collieries.

Two subsidence events – in December 1988 and April 2008 – resulted in surface movement and damage to houses in the suburb. Both subsidence events occurred due to the failure of pillars within the Westfalen No. 3 Colliery.

• View a glossary of mining terms used on this page.

A 2010 CSIRO report explains why the subsidence events occurred:

• Summary (PDF, 30 KB)
• Full report (PDF, 28 MB)
• Appendix A (PDF, 4 MB)
• Appendix B (PDF, 2.5 MB)
• Appendix C (PDF, 3 MB)
• 3D image (PDF, 6 MB)

Multiple investigations into the condition of the former Westfalen No 3 colliery have found that remediating the mine would be uneconomical.

However, we have guaranteed to repair any property in Collingwood Park that existed on 25 April 2008 and is affected by mine subsidence-related damage. If the repairs aren’t cost-effective, we will purchase that property at market value. This guarantee is legislated as part of the Mineral Resources Act 1989, section 334R.

In addition, we have installed 7 ground monitoring sensors in and near the subsidence areas to provide long-term continuous monitoring of movements and vibrations. This data indicates that the ground is currently stable.

Areas and properties with underlying historical mine workings can be found by searching on the Ipswich City Council planning website, where known mining influence areas are mapped. You can also view the Council's factsheet about mining subsidence (PDF, 118KB).

For further information, please email abandonedmines@resources.qld.gov.au.

Photo gallery

Key risks

Health and safety risks associated with potential surface subsidence from further underground pillar failures, resulting in damage to residential property or infrastructure.

Completed works

• Investigations and reports into the condition of the former Westfalen No 3 Colliery
• Installation of ground-monitoring instruments to collect continuous data readings and measurements of ground movements (4 seismic monitoring stations and 3 extensometers)
• Investigation of all claims made to date under the Collingwood Park State Guarantee

Planned works

• Ongoing collection and review of ground-monitoring data
• Assessment of any claims made against the Collingwood Park State Guarantee