Queensland ideally placed to deliver Resources 2030 recommendations

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the report from the Resources 2030 Taskforce and in particular its focus on a long-term future for the resources industry.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the 29 recommendations covered the range of areas needed to build further prosperity for the sector.

“The Taskforce has put forward a blueprint across key areas including new investment, building stronger communities, improving environmental performance and enhancing workforce and skills,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Queensland’s resources sector already ticks those boxes and we are ideally placed to use the Taskforce recommendations to further consolidate our strengths and set a guide for other states.

“We deliver the strong communities prioritised by the Taskforce. Queensland’s world-class resources sector employs almost 300,000 Queenslanders and delivers one in every six dollars for our state economy. We inject more than $4.3 billion in royalties and invest in more than 16,000 businesses from Cairns to Coolangatta.

“We have been able to do so because of ongoing investment especially in the coal and gas industries. While other states flounder, Queensland flourishes.

“Expansions and new developments in the Surat Basin, Bowen Basin and Galilee Basin will further strengthen the resources sector to the benefit of all Queenslanders," Mr Macfarlane said.

“The QRC hopes this Taskforce report will be a catalyst for other states to lift their bans and go-slow developments of gas projects.

“Our state’s resources sector is also delivering on the objective of providing Indigenous Australians with career pathways, not just a job. Our sector is one of the few industries with genuine representation of Indigenous employees. Resources employs four percent of Indigenous workers which reflects the representation of Indigenous Queenslanders.

“We support the Taskforce’s recommendation for the expansion of Exploring for the Future and UNCOVER initiatives to deliver on the next wave of resources discoveries.

“The QRC also welcomes the recommendations to map the skills needed for the sector in 2030 and beyond. We are well advanced in developing the skills pipeline for future industry workers through the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy. We would welcome the opportunity to work with both the Federal and State Governments to further develop the skills needed for the future.

“We hope to see the Government progress the recommendations for streamlining regulatory frameworks. And as a former Resources Minister I am particularly pleased to see recommendations to further strengthen the representation of the resources sector around the COAG Energy Council table. Energy and resources are deeply linked, and a close connection between both policies will be essential to deliver affordable and reliable power.

“I look forward to the Government’s full consideration of this report and the release of Minister Matt Canavan’s Resources Statement in the coming months.”

Queensland was well represented on the Resources 2030 Taskforce, through chair Andrew Cripps, Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch and Mackay-based Resource Industry Network general manager Adrienne Rourke.

www.qrc.org.au

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