Uranium Implementation Committee announced

The Premier Campbell Newman has announced the membership of the Uranium Implementation Committee which will establish a best-practice framework for the recommencement of uranium mining in Queensland.

“Uranium exports will earn Queensland tens of billions of dollars over the next two decades, providing thousands of jobs across rural and regional areas,” Mr Newman said.

“Global demand for this energy will create enormous opportunities in coming years.

“Queensland must not miss out on the opportunities for jobs and investment.

“The State Government has established an Implementation Committee to look at the orderly development and operation of a recommenced uranium mining and export industry in Queensland.”

The Implementation Committee will be chaired by Central Highlands Councillor, Paul Bell AM, who has just retired after serving eight years as President of the Local Government Association of Queensland. 

“Cr Bell has spent decades representing the mining communities of Central Queensland and understands what it takes to build a successful resources industry which benefits everybody” Mr Newman said.

Other members of the Uranium Implementation Committee will be:

·         Noeline Ikin, CEO Northern Gulf Resource Management Group

·         Frances Hayter, Environment Director, Queensland Resources Council

·         Dr Geoff Garrett, Queensland Government Chief Scientist and

·         Dan Hunt, Acting Director- General, Department of Natural Resources and Mines

·         Indigenous leader, Warren Mundine, Director of the Australian Uranium Association and a former ALP National President (subject to final confirmation).

Mr Newman also released the Terms of Reference of the Uranium Implementation Committee which will be available on the Department of Natural Resources and Mines website.

Andrew Cripps, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines said the Committee had been asked to establish a framework for how a uranium mining and export industry can develop and operate in Queensland.

This framework will ensure that uranium mining recommences in Queensland with world best-practice environmental and safety standards, and will also attract significant investment to Queensland. 

“During its investigations between now and mid-March next year, the Committee will examine and make recommendations on a range of issues,” Mr Cripps said.

“This will ensure Queensland’s uranium industry develops to world’s-best environmental and safety standards.

“The Committee will look at, among other things, how the uranium industry works in other states, regional and community development opportunities, safety and logistics issues, approval processes, rehabilitation and royalties.

“Uranium mining and export is providing jobs, royalties and crucial regional development in other parts of Australia.”

Today’s announcement demonstrates the LNP Government’s commitment to ensuring Queenslanders share in the benefits of a national uranium industry.

The Terms of Reference can be viewed at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au.

[ENDS] 30 October 2012

Media contact –         Premier’s Office - 3224 4500

                                  Minister Cripps’ Office, Jane Paterson – 0417 281 754