2025 has been a defining year for Queensland’s resources sector, marked by renewed confidence, restored certainty and real outcomes for regional communities.
When we came to office at the end of last year, we inherited a sector weighed down by red tape, stalled approvals and policy unpredictability. But under the Crisafulli Government, that era is over. We’ve made it clear from day one: Queensland is open for business and we’re backing that message with real action.
The turnaround is already taking shape.
This month alone, we’ve delivered three major announcements that underline the strength of our approach:
- A $2.3 billion investment in the Eva Copper Mine that will create up to 1,450 jobs in North West Queensland, securing our place as a critical minerals powerhouse.
- A landmark international investment in Fitzroy Australia Resources across Central Queensland that will support more than 1,000 coal jobs at Broadlea, Carborough Downs and Ironbark.
- And the declaration of the $662 million Centurion North coal extension as a coordinated project that will deliver 525 more jobs and unlock decades of premium hard coking coal exports.
That’s on top of Bravus’ announcement earlier this year of a $50 million expansion at the Carmichael mine, setting the stage for over half a billion dollars in future works and 600 new regional jobs.
These investments stretch well beyond the mine site. They will support contractors in Townsville, suppliers in Rockhampton and apprentices in Mackay. And they mean security for mining families, opportunities for supplier businesses and lasting benefits for regional communities.
Global demand for our high-quality coal remains strong, particularly from Asia’s major economies where demand continues to rise. Since 2000, global coal demand has nearly doubled, and markets like China, India, and South-East Asia – our key export markets – now account for around half of global usage.
Few places on Earth are better positioned to meet that demand than Queensland. We’ve got the world’s best reserves and the infrastructure to deliver it.
To capitalise on that strong demand, we’ve stood up the Resources Cabinet Committee, to cut delays and streamline project approvals. We’ve renewed 11 coal leases over the past year alone, matching nearly half of what Labor managed across their entire final term. And we’re streamlining processes across the board to unlock new investment.
We’re also taking decisive action to improve the resources safety system in Queensland. The independent review of Resources Safety and Health Queensland made it clear the current framework has many areas for improvement, and based on the recommendations from that report, we’ll be establishing a new independent Governing Board, taking action to improve governance and delivering clearer lines of responsibility and accountability.
The Crisafulli Government is unashamedly pro-resources, and we’re demonstrating that by setting clear, stable expectations, then getting out of the way of those who meet them.
While my title is the Minister for Natural Resources and Resources, my most important job is serving as the Member for Burdekin – an electorate that spans across Middlemount and Moranbah, from Clermont to Collinsville.
I don’t need a briefing note to understand what mining means to regional communities. I live it every day of the week.
And I can assure you – I have no intention of letting opportunities pass us by.
Hon Dale Last MP
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development
