Queensland’s resources industry is the backbone of our state. Everyone reading this knows that the mining sector not only keeps the lights on but also fuels our economy and funds essential services across the state.
I’ve been Queensland’s Minister for Resources and Mines for about five months now. I also proudly serve as the Member for Burdekin, an electorate that spans from Collinsville to Clermont, Middlemount to Moranbah, Blair Athol to Bowen – and all the coal mines and resources projects in between.
It means I spend a lot of time behind the wheel on the Peak Downs Highway or the Bowen Developmental Road, driving past the men and woman who keep this state moving.
When I pull into town for a coffee or to catch up with one of my constituents, I know the person grinding the beans at the cafe or stacking the shelves of the local grocer is there in part because of the mining industry.
It’s a constant reminder that when the mining industry is strong, so too are our mining communities.
But to make sure that continues long into the future, mine workers and mining communities need new projects, new investments, and new opportunities.
Earlier this year I led a major resources trade mission to North America, meeting with mining investors, resources companies and government officials at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto, and in the United States.
My message to them was simple, we want your business, and we will work with you to make long-term mining investments in our state. In short: Queensland is open for business.
We have an ambitious long-term agenda to see new and expanded mining opportunities across this state and we’re focused on creating an environment for resources growth that will underpin our state’s long-term prosperity for years to come.
Global demand for our state’s resources is strong. We have the world’s best coal reserves and our major markets in South-East Asia will continue to be strong for decades to come.
We also have outstanding reserves and deposits of metals and minerals like copper, zinc, and vanadium, which are important for defence, renewable energy and other modern technologies.
Queensland also boasts the best gas fields in the country.
Tapping into the many opportunities that exist across Queensland will deliver thousands of jobs, and millions of dollars in investment to our regions.
To make this happen we need to give the industry certainty, so that projects don’t get stuck in an approvals vortex and that proponents get clear decisions instead of delays.
That’s why I set up the Resources Cabinet Committee, which brings together the Ministers across the Resources, Environment, Planning and Energy portfolios.
The committee is identifying the blockers in the regulatory system, so we can clear those bottlenecks and streamline the approvals system to get more resources projects off the ground.
If a project stacks up environmentally and if it delivers jobs and investment for Queenslanders, then it shouldn’t be held hostage by layers of approval complexity and endless reviews.
My vision for Queensland is a state that welcomes resources investment and values the workers who power not just our state, but the world.
We’re serious about growing our resources sector, and we’re already charging ahead.
Hon Dale Last MP
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Senator for QLD
