Queensland’s coal sector generated $38.4 billion in direct spending and supported 393,250 jobs in 2024-25, what’s been called the industry’s first annual economic report has found.

The state accounted for 51.6 per cent of Australia’s total direct coal sector expenditure, accounting for more than half the national figure.

Nationally, the report found coal contributed $164.9 billion to the economy, supported 782,243 jobs and underpinned 14,451 businesses in 2024-25.

Australia’s Annual Coal Report was independently prepared by Lawrence Consulting. It assessed the industry’s economic footprint at national, state, regional, local government and electorate level.

In Queensland, the sector directly employed 31,789 full-time equivalent workers and supported 8,236 local suppliers during the year.

Outside the capital cities, the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region recorded the largest share of direct expenditure by region, at $7.4 billion. In that region, the sector supported 77,596 jobs, employed 10,603 workers directly and used 1,941 local suppliers.

In New South Wales, the coal sector generated $26 billion in direct spending and supported 300,737 jobs. It directly employed 21,137 full-time equivalent workers and supported 8,143 local suppliers in the state.

Coal Australia chair Rob Bishop said the report confirmed the national economy was ‘counting on coal’.

“Our industry provides good well-paying job opportunities for thousands of men and women working at mines in regional communities and suppliers who keep us running,” Mr Bishop said.

Coal Australia chief executive Stuart Bocking said the report confirmed coal’s role as one of Australia’s most important industries.

“The scale of coal’s economic impact is extraordinary. Few industries, if any, can match coal’s economic footprint. In 2024–25 alone, the industry spent $74.5 billion across the Australian economy, supported almost 14,500 Australian businesses and generated almost $13 billion in taxes and royalties for governments.”

“These figures reflect the scale of Australia’s coal sector, which is one of the nation’s largest contributors to economic growth, jobs and export income. It also plays an important role in underpinning Australia’s AAA credit rating.”

The report found the industry paid $8.9 billion in wages and salaries and $228.7 million to local governments. It also provided $33 million in voluntary support to more than 1,700 community organisations.

Mr Bocking said coal’s contribution extended well beyond mining communities.

“Behind every mine are contractors, truck drivers, manufacturers, engineers, retailers and thousands of Australian families whose livelihoods depend on a strong coal industry.”

Mr Bocking said publishing the report each year would give policymakers, industry and the community a consistent evidence base.

Fast facts

Australia’s coal sector, 2024-25

• Contributed $164.9 billion to the economy
• Supported 782,243 jobs across Australia
• Employed 76,895 full-time equivalent workers
• Underpinned 14,451 businesses nationally

Sector spending, 2024-25

• $74.5 billion across the Australian economy
• $52.5 billion with almost 14,500 local businesses
• $8.9 billion in wages and salaries
• $9.6 billion to state governments, including royalties
• $3.3 billion to the Federal Government
• $228.7 million to local government
• $33.0 million to more than 1,700 community organisations

Queensland, 2024-25

• $38.4 billion in direct spending
• 393,250 jobs supported
• 31,789 full-time equivalent workers employed directly
• 8,236 local suppliers supported
• 51.6 per cent of Australia’s total direct coal sector spending
• Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday recorded the largest regional expenditure, at $7.4 billion, supporting 77,596 jobs, 10,603 direct employees and 1,941 local suppliers

New South Wales, 2024-25

• $26.0 billion in direct spending
• 300,737 jobs supported
• 21,137 full-time equivalent workers employed directly
• 8,143 local suppliers supported