“When workers rest well, everyone benefits”
New owner of The Lodge Moranbah says it's not just about beds
Moranbah’s newest accommodation provider, Resource Accommodation, says its recent acquisitions in the town reflect their faith in the coal sector and a belief in community-based accommodation.
The Western Australian-based business recently acquired Moranbah’s Smart Stay Village, Moranbah Motor Inn and Outback Motel.
Under the new owners, Smart Stay Village and the Moranbah Motor Inn will operate as Lodge Village, while the Outback Motel will be known as The Lodge Outback Motel.
According to Resource Accommodation Director of Marketing Phil Buhagiar, the decision to expand out of Western Australia was an obvious one.
“The Bowen Basin remains one of Australia’s most important resource regions, and Moranbah sits at the centre of that activity,” he told Shift Miner.
“With long-life bulk commodity operations across the region, there is a consistent need for accommodation that properly supports the people working long rotations away from home.
“At The Lodge, we operate with a simple philosophy of co-living within the community rather than isolation from it, and by locating our properties in the heart of towns like Moranbah, guests can stay within established communities rather than feeling disconnected in remote camps.
“Being able to walk to the shops, grab a coffee, go to the gym or simply see everyday life happening around them helps people maintain a more normal routine while they’re working away.”
Mr Buhagiar says their belief that when workers rest well, the individual, the employer, and the community all benefit is central to how they have organised their business.
“Our investment in The Lodge Moranbah reflects a belief that workforce accommodation should play a role in supporting both physical rest and mental wellbeing,” he said.
“ For many workers spending weeks away from family and home routines, where and how they stay can have a real impact on their overall experience.
“A good night’s accommodation ultimately comes down to helping someone properly switch off after a long shift.
“Quiet, clean rooms, comfortable beds, reliable air conditioning and fresh meals may sound simple, but those fundamentals make a real difference to recovery and wellbeing.
“Workforce accommodation shouldn’t feel like an isolated camp — it should feel like a place where people can unwind and feel part of the community.”
With the resources sector constantly evolving, Mr Buhagiar says accommodation can be a stable constant in people’s lives, making FIFO or DIDO work more sustainable and better for employee retention.
“Ultimately, workforce accommodation isn’t just about providing rooms — it’s about creating environments where people can recharge both physically and mentally while working in demanding industries.”
Resource Accommodation is a paid supporter of Shift Miner