ResourcesQ to deliver for Queensland mining industry

Published Tuesday, 19 November, 2013 at 02:57 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Andrew Cripps

The Newman Government is developing a 30-year strategic vision to drive growth and jobs in Queensland’s resources sector.

Premier Campbell Newman announced the ResourcesQ initiative while addressing the Queensland Resources Council ‘State of the Sector’ forum in Brisbane today.

 “The ResourcesQ initiative delivers on our promise to provide better infrastructure and planning as well as grow the state's resources sector as part of a four pillar economy,” Mr Newman said.

“Under Labor, the resources sector was shouldering too great a burden and had no clear direction from the Government about its long-term future.

“In contrast, the LNP Government will work collaboratively with the resources industry to develop a strategic vision which will drive this sector and generate significant benefits for decades to come.

“For this vision and action plan to be robust and effective we need to hear from those in the industry and community about where they would like to see the resources sector in 30 years’ time, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“The aim will be to ensure Queensland remains a global resource destination and continues to build on its competitive strengths.”

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said the Government would partner with the resource sector to develop the project.

“The mining industry provides direct and indirect employment for more than 300,000 Queenslanders and delivers significant economic benefit across the state’s economy,” Mr Cripps said.

“We will collaborate closely with industry to forge clear vision, supported by strategic goals and actions to generate a strong, competitive and diversified resources sector in Queensland.

“We will work with all those involved in Queensland’s resources sector – from the pit to the port, from the drill hole to the transmission line, from the permit application to the smelter, and from the environmental assessment to the building of a rail network.”

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche welcomed ResourcesQ as a significant opportunity to enhance Queensland’s global reputation as a preferred supplier of minerals and energy resources.

“Queensland’s ability to capitalise on the opportunities arising from the Asian century demands the type of productive working relationships foreshadowed in the Newman Government’s ResourcesQ plan,” Mr Roche said.

“Industry and government working on the same page is a great investment in the economic future of Queensland.”

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines, which is leading the development of the ResourcesQ initiative, is engaging with government and industry to plan this initiative.

[ENDS] 19 November 2013

Media contact:            Premier’s Office - Andrew Blow 0408 912 821

Minister Cripps’ Office - Eleisha Rogers  0413 375 088