At a Glance
- A $1 billion pumped hydro project in North Queensland has suspended operations after food safety failures
- Workers reported maggots, flies, and mould in meals served at their remote camp
- Over 150 workers are affected with no nearby food alternatives
- Why it matters: Infrastructure workers face health risks from contaminated food on a state-backed project
A $1 billion construction project in North Queensland, Australia, has been suspended after workers received meals containing maggots, flies, and mould, according to the Electrical Trades Union (ETU).
The Genex Kidston Pumped Hydro Project halted operations on January 20 following escalating food safety concerns at the workers’ remote camp, located three hours from the nearest town.
Contaminated Meals Spark Health Fears
The crisis began when ETU officials received a photo of a worker’s meal taken on January 10 showing visible larvae. Union representatives immediately raised concerns about potential outbreaks of gastroenteritis, bacterial poisoning, and salmonella among the workforce.
ETU State organizer Robert Hill condemned the conditions, stating the food safety standards had reached an “unacceptable level.” He revealed that multiple workers had reported gastrointestinal illness over an extended period.
“Multiple workers have reported gastrointestinal illness over an extended period, and I experienced the same during my last visit,” Hill said in a union news release.
The photo showed rice with what appeared to be insect larvae mixed throughout the dish. Hill emphasized this represented a clear breach of food safety standards and indicated possible negligence in handling, storage, and preparation.
Remote Location Limits Options
The camp’s isolation has intensified the crisis. With roads made inaccessible due to flooding, workers faced meal shortages in addition to contamination issues. The nearest alternative food source requires a three-hour journey.
Workers expressed desperation about their limited options. Some have discussed paying out of pocket to helicopter food drops into the remote area, according to Hill.
“Workers are literally playing Russian Roulette each time they eat,” Hill said. “The level of desperation is extraordinary.”
Multiple Contamination Reports
Following the initial maggot discovery, ETU received additional reports of food contamination:
- Flies found on meals
- Mould growing on food items
- Continued gastrointestinal illness among workers
“Our members don’t know whether the next meal they’re served will make them sick,” Hill said. “What they’re experiencing is a smorgasbord of contamination – maggots, flies, mould – and it’s happening in a remote camp where workers have no alternative food options.”
The union has demanded Genex provide copies of all food safety audits and the qualifications of auditors responsible for camp inspections.
Project Suspension
The escalating situation prompted project suspension as of January 20. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that over 150 workers are employed on the construction project.
Local authorities had recently provided Genex with a list of required improvements for the camp facility. In response, the company decided to temporarily suspend camp operations while addressing these requirements.
“Genex has decided to temporarily suspend the operation of the camp facility while the improvement requirements are actioned,” a company spokesperson told media outlets.
The spokesperson added that Genex is supporting the contractor to demobilize the workforce from the site while maintaining camp operations until completion.
Worker Conditions Under Scrutiny
The food safety crisis has highlighted broader concerns about worker welfare on major infrastructure projects. Hill described conditions as “more reminiscent of a humanitarian aid operation than a state-backed infrastructure project.”
Workers reported feeling hungry, frustrated, and mistreated due to the ongoing food issues. The situation has strained morale among the workforce responsible for constructing the $1 billion pumped hydro facility.
Neither Genex nor ETU immediately responded to media inquiries on January 20, according to News Of Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- The $1 billion Genex Kidston Pumped Hydro Project has suspended operations due to food safety failures
- Workers faced maggot-infested meals with no alternative food sources in the remote location
- Over 150 workers are affected by the camp closure and project suspension
- The crisis raises questions about contractor oversight on major infrastructure projects
