THE Central Queensland town of Collinsville is in the middle of one of Queensland’s most prosperous coal mining areas, and with huge development planned accommodation is at a premium.

The Opal Ridge Motel is a premier accommodation destination in Collinsville, featuring 28 fully refurbished rooms that offer customised premium furniture and high-end finishes.

It also offers a further 20 accommodation rooms in separate houses.

Glen Cummins, from Knight Frank, says there are also real opportunities for further expansion to capitalise on all the mining expansion and infrastructure work in the region.

“The Opal Ridge has modern amenities including a brand new bar, restaurant and function rooms all equipped with the latest technology and systems to enhance guest experiences,” Mr Cummins said.

“Additional features include a well-appointed gym, inviting pool and a convenient drive-through food area, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking comfort and convenience in a vibrant setting.”

There is also a liquor license and restaurant on-site.

Collinsville is expected to grow further with the development of more mining related projects, and green energy such as solar power is shaping up to be an important job-creating industry in the town. There are also plans for a new connecting road, leading to Proserpine and its airport.

This will enable faster travel between the town and the coastal plain, and will also open up new opportunities for land development and export.

All the workers coming into the area need places to stay.

Collinsville is in the coal-rich Bowen Basin region 87 kilometres south-west of the coastal centre of Bowen and 1245 kilometres north of Brisbane.

The Bowen Developmental Road passes through the town connecting with Bowen and the Gregory Highway.

The Newlands railway system also passes through Collinsville serving the local mines.

The Opal Ridge is on sale for $3,495,000.

Mr Cummins said in response to requests from mining company Glencore’s needs for more accommodation and to help the local community, the Opal Ridge had taken leases on local houses in the town and now provide an extra 20 accommodation rooms.

“There will always be a lot of workers looking for accommodation in Collinsville and the Opal Ridge is a great business,” he said.

The motel’s net profit for FY23/24 was $590,009.

The owner’s air-conditioned residence includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two car spaces with office space in front.

As well as the huge boost provided by the coal industry, Collinsville’s economy also benefits from tourists visiting the historic mining town.

There is a memorial statue to workers at the entrance to the United Mineworkers Club (now known as the Collinsville & Scottsville Workers Club) in Railway Road.

There is also the impressive Coalface Experience Museum, and eight murals around town representing aspects of regional coal mining.

The entrance to the town has an impressive brass statue of a pit pony and the local pub has been renamed the Pit Pony Tavern.