Despite what some detractors say, there is a long and bright future ahead for Queensland’s mining industry.
Demand for coal from our key export markets is strong, and all the signs show that strong demand will continue for the foreseeable future.
Queensland is also endowed with world-class deposits of in-demand metals and the critical minerals needed for emerging technologies.
To meet this demand, we need to ensure a pipeline of graduates for the mining sector.
That is why the Crisafulli Government is investing $2 million to expand the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and attract the next generation of engineers, electricians and more into the resources sector.
The QMEA is a joint program run by the Queensland Government and industry. Over the last two decades, it has played a key role delivering mining and resources workshops to students across our state, with its network reaching around 100 schools.
The lessons and workshops QMEA provides helps to broaden knowledge of the sector for students, as well as their teachers, and provides pathways to a resources career.
This new funding will allow the Academy to expand across a further 50 schools and reach up to 10,000 more students.
It will allow QMEA to expand into primary schools for the first time, and deliver new regional hubs in Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville.
At every METS business and mine site I visit, I hear the same message: there’s not enough skilled workers to meet the demand that they expect.
But the resources sector has many rewarding career possibilities, from the coalface to geology and everything in between.
This funding boost to QMEA will help deliver the skills needed to support the future of the resources sector workforce.
More than 81,000 Queenslanders are directly employed in mining, and more than half of the state’s mining workforce live, work and raise their families in the regions.
The future for mining is strong, and I am proud to invest in programs that support young Queenslanders to seize opportunities and create prosperous and fulfilling careers.
Hon Dale Last MP
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Senator for QLD
