Adani mine approval good for jobs, good for Qld budget says QRC

The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed the approval from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science for the Adani Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Management Plan.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the finalisation of the plan meant the project could now get underway and start delivering returns to Queensland.

“Every investment in resources projects benefits all Queenslanders. Our resources sector employs more than 315,000 people, mainly in regional Queensland, and this year alone is returning $5.2 billion to the state budget,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“All Queenslanders should welcome new investments in resources projects whether they’re coal, gas or other minerals.

“The Adani Carmichael mine is one of six in the Galilee Basin that could create tens of thousands of jobs in construction and operation and deliver billions of dollars in royalties over their working life span.

“Mining jobs are typically highly skilled, high-tech and high-paying, and they support local communities across Queensland. The mining sector also provides economic returns and career opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

“Resources projects in Queensland are subjected to rigorous approval processes to ensure they proceed in a way that benefits our state and deliver world-leading environmental outcomes.

“Each project should be reviewed according to consistent requirements and on consistent timetables.

“QRC welcomes the recent decision from the Premier to ensure the Coordinator-General plays an overarching role for the approvals process, and we welcome the LNP’s commitment to a more structured approval process for mining projects.

“The Queensland Parliament should also act swiftly to reject the Greens’ job-destroying Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 2018 (Qld) which wants to ban all mining in the Galilee.

“The Adani project has undergone eight years of planning and assessment at both the State and Commonwealth level.

“Everyone should accept this ruling and let the project proceed. Queenslanders have sent a very clear message that the stalling tactics of activists must stop.  

“Central Queenslanders and North Queenslanders are ready to get on with these jobs and deliver for our entire state.”