The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s release of new areas for coal exploration in Central Queensland.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the opening of tenders in the five prospective areas was a vital step in ensuring the resources sector continues to benefit regional communities.
“Queensland’s resources sector is our state’s heavy lifter. This year the resources sector will pay $5.2 billion in royalty taxes to the Queensland Government and supports more than 315,000 jobs across the state both directly at mines and in regional communities,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“The most recent unemployment figures showed Queensland’s resources regions have unemployment rates that are lower than the state average of 6.1 per cent.
“The jobs and royalty taxes the resources sector is delivering now are the result of exploration, investment and planning in the past.
“The release of five areas and 147 sub-blocks near Moranbah, Blackwater and Emerald with the potential for both metallurgical and thermal coal will help ensure Queensland continues to play to its strengths.
“Combined metallurgical and thermal coal are Queensland’s largest export commodity. The value of those exports increased by 12% to almost $37 billion over the 12 months until the end of May this year. Coal exports earn Queensland more than $100 million every day.
“Our high-quality resources are in demand in global markets. Through exploration and investment Queensland can continue to be a world-leader in the resources sector.”
