Policy surprises tarnish Queensland’s investment appeal

QUEENSLAND’s attractiveness as an investment destination for mining has dropped out of the global top ten according to a report from Canada’s Fraser Institute highlighted by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the clear message is that global investors have marked Queensland down because of policy uncertainty. 

"Investors don’t like surprises, which is why the sector is always talking about the need for policy certainty," said Mr Macfarlane. 

"The Queensland Government needs to be aware investors are watching every potential change in policy as having a direct impact on the investment profile of the State.

 

"The clear challenge in the year ahead is to deliver policy certainty that investors expect. A stable regulatory environment is the only way to see Queensland recognised as the best mining jurisdiction in the world."

O a positive note, Queensland continued to receive recognition for its quality mineral deposits moving up one spot to number three in the world —leapfrogging WA to become Australia’s most geologically prospective jurisdiction.

"Queensland’s geological assets are globally well known, with one of the richest and diverse mineral provinces in the world, including the North West Minerals Province, bauxite across Cape York and some of the best quality coal,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“We have the geology the world wants, investors just need to see a steady hand on the policy lever."

www.qrc.org.au

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