When industry has confidence, Queensland prospers. Investors don’t put their money into uncertainty. They invest when governments provide stability, clear decisions, and a fair playing field.
That’s why last month’s announcement of a $50 million expansion at the Bravus Carmichael coal mine was so important. It’s more than just an investment in infrastructure like worker accommodation, a water dam and rail facilities. It’s the foundation for half a billion dollars in future projects and 600 new jobs across Central and North Queensland.
The benefits won’t stop at the mine gate. Contractors and suppliers in Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton will see more work flow through. Apprentices and young people looking for a career in mining will have new opportunities. Local economies across the regions will feel the lift.
This kind of certainty has been missing for too long. Under Labor, companies were tied up in red tape, projects sat on desks for years, and major policies could change overnight. Communities like Clermont remember all too well how the Carmichael project was strung out for years while inner-city activists dictated the agenda.
That era is now behind us.
The Crisafulli Government has drawn a line under the uncertainty and put Queensland back on the map as a place to invest. The Carmichael expansion is proof of what that confidence delivers – real jobs, real investment, and a stronger future for regional Queensland.
Global demand for Queensland’s high-quality coal is strong, and with the forecasts showing that demand will continue communities in the Bowen and Galilee Basins are in the box seat. We have the workers, the skills, and the world-class resources that countries across the globe need.
Our job as a government is to make sure Queenslanders reap the rewards. That means backing projects that stack up, cutting the red tape that holds them back, and ensuring regional communities see the benefits first.
For me, it’s simple: Queensland doesn’t start and end in Brisbane. It’s in the mines, workshops and communities that power our economy every day. The Carmichael expansion is a clear sign that Queensland is open for business again and we will keep backing the workers and communities who make it all possible.
Hon Dale Last MP
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Senator for QLD
