The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed new Premier David Crisafulli’s comments that he wants to establish the state’s future as a powerhouse of the Australian economy. 

The reference was made at the acceptance speech following the weekend election.

The QRC was encouraged by the incoming premier’s commitment to attract new investment in Queensland’s key industries, including resources, chief executive officer Janette Hewson said. 

“We welcomed the LNP’s commitments to establish a Resources Cabinet Sub-Committee to improve consultation across government on policies that encourage investment in the resources sector,” she said.  

“The Resources Subcommittee and the reestablishment of the Productivity Commission are important steps by the incoming government that will get our sector back on the state agenda and deliver better outcomes for Queensland. 

“The QRC also welcomes LNP’s commitment to ensure reliable electricity supply to Queensland through the energy transition, $2 million in funding to our educational arm the QMEA to boost regional skills training, and $500,000 to attract more women to the resources sector workforce.”

Related: 2024 QRC Election Priorities

The comments were a good start to a more collaborative and cooperative relationship between the State Government and Queensland’s most important industry, Ms Hewson said.

“The resources sector contributed $117 billion to the state’s economy and supported more than 530,000 jobs last year but its continued success requires the right government policy settings to re-position Queensland as a reliable place to invest,” she said. 

“That includes a fair and balanced royalty system that encourages investment and streamlining approvals for new projects across all commodities, including critical minerals. 

“Regional Queenslanders, who strongly backed a change in government, deserve a fairer share of the benefits they generate for our state through the resources sector with better infrastructure and roads, and improved services like health. 

“Queensland has abundant reserves of the commodities the world needs including coal, gas, metals and critical minerals, and with the right plan for Queensland, we can return the state to a global powerhouse for responsible resources.”

The QRC thanked outgoing Resources Minister Scott Stewart for his contribution and said it looked forward to the announcement of the incoming Resources Minister and LNP cabinet.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last is currently the LNP resources spokesperson.