The Palaszczuk Government must ensure its Friday deadline brings to an end the delays and uncertainty for the final approvals on the Adani Carmichael mine, Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said.
“The Adani Carmichael mine has been undergoing its approvals process for nine years. In 2010 the Bligh Government announced the Coordinator General’s awarding of ‘Significant Project’ status for the Adani mine,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Since then the project has undergone comprehensive assessment in Queensland and in Canberra.
“Like all projects, it has followed the normal processes for approvals. All projects deserve a fair go.
“Resources projects need certainty about approvals and certainty about royalties to ensure they continue to create regional jobs.
“The QRC has been meeting with regional businesses in Rockhampton and Townsville over the past two days.
“The clear message from those communities is they want more resources jobs and they want certainty that projects will go ahead to support regional communities.
“The Premier said today she is fed up with the length of time this process is taking. Well so are Queenslanders.
“The patience of regional Queenslanders will be severely tested if this week’s meeting doesn’t provide a resolution and a crystal clear timetable for final approvals.
“The QRC welcomes the recent approvals granted for projects including the Olive Downs coal mine, the Winchester South project and ongoing approvals for gas projects.
“But we can’t take future resources investments for granted. There must be a clear and transparent process that applies to every resources project with no exceptions. And there must be a commitment not to put new royalty taxes on the resources industry.
“Without those commitments, Queensland runs the risk of losing future investment and jobs.
“As the Federal election showed, Queenslanders know that the future of the resources industry determines the future of the state. When the resources industry does well, Queensland does well.
“On behalf of the 315,000 people who work in or with the resources industry the QRC is calling for the full support of the Queensland Parliament to support a strong future for all mining and resources projects.”
