Queensland’s mining sector is the beating heart of our economy, and under the Crisafulli Government, it’s pumping strong once again.
The 2025-26 Budget tells the story. Royalties alone are expected to hit $7.9 billion over the last financial year, with coal alone returning $5.49 billion, funding the schools, hospitals and roads that regional Queenslanders rely on.
This is serious firepower, and it’s being delivered thanks to a sector that more than pulls its weight.
But beyond the numbers is our clear message – that Queensland is open for business.
Our first Budget delivers $5.1 million to enhance mineral exploration through cutting-edge geoscience and data projects – the kind of investment that uncovers the mines of tomorrow.
It also includes $8.5 million to progress the Queensland Resources Common User Facility, supporting testing, innovation and commercialisation in critical minerals processing. This facility will give proponents the infrastructure they need to scale up and bring more projects to market.
Importantly, the Budget delivers $2.5 million to expand the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, including $500,000 for programs that increase women’s participation in the sector. This is about building a skilled workforce for the future and ensuring more Queenslanders can build rewarding careers in the resources sector.
These investments are part of our broader plan to unlock the next wave of growth across Queensland’s resources sector.
Since coming to office, I’ve approved 14 new petroleum leases, 6 new pipeline licences, renewed 11 coal mining leases, and issued a new minerals development licence. We’re cutting red tape, accelerating approvals, and giving industry the certainty to invest.
This momentum is driven by our Resources Cabinet Committee, which is delivering faster, clearer decisions to get resources projects operating sooner. After years of investment uncertainty and anti-mining rhetoric, we’re restoring confidence and delivering results.
Queensland’s mining sector already supports more than 81,000 direct jobs, the vast majority in regional Queensland. It adds over $61 billion to our economy and remains our largest industry by contribution.
The 2025-26 Budget backs the hi-vis heroes who show up every day to power this state forward.
We are serious about growing the industries that underpin our state’s prosperity, and that starts with backing the resources sector every step of the way.
Hon Dale Last MP
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Senator for QLD
