ResourcesQ Partnership Group announced

Published Friday, 21 March, 2014 at 09:58 AM

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Andrew Cripps

Six resource industry experts have been selected to work with the Queensland Government to help drive growth and jobs in the sector over the next 30 years.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps announced the members of the ResourcesQ Partnership Group, to provide strategic advice and recommendations on the ResourcesQ initiative.

“This project delivers on our election commitment to build resources as one Queensland’s four economic pillars,” Mr Cripps said.

“We want Queensland’s resources industry to be a world leader, so it is vital we have an economically strong, competitive and innovative industry to take us into the future.

“The former Labor Government stifled growth within the resources industry with red and green tape.

“The Newman Government has reduced red and green tape and is streamlining our legislation to allow the resources sector to reach its full potential.

“The partnership group will play a key role in ensuring broad industry consultation guides our strategic direction and that ResourcesQ addresses industry challenges.”

Mr Cripps said the ResourcesQ Partnership Group had been established on the back of the ResourcesQ Industry Leaders’ Forum in Brisbane at the end of February, which involved senior government and resource industry representatives.

“I announced at the forum that the group would be chaired by Mr Steve de Kruijff, former Chief Operating Officer of Xstrata’s North Queensland Copper Division and former Queensland Resources Council President,” he said.

The other group members are:

  • Dr Laurie Hammond: Chair of CRC Mining, an industry-driven centre for global mining research and innovation;
  • Mr Theo Psaros: leading transport infrastructure consultant and former Chief Operating Officer of MetroCoal Limited;
  • Mr Brendan Ostwald: Chief Executive Officer of mining services company Ostwald Bros Pty Ltd;
  • Mr Gavin Becker:  former CEO of Metallica Minerals Ltd;
  • Dr Julie Beeby: Queensland Resource Industry Ambassador since 2009 and former Chief Executive Officer of WestSide Corporation Limited.

Mr Cripps said all of the members were highly experienced and well-respected across the resources sector and brought a unique perspective to the table.

“I look forward to working closely with the group as we examine challenging concepts, ideas and opportunities to help create wealth and grow jobs in resources sector,” he said.

ResourcesQ Partnership Chairman Steve de Kruijff said he was looking forward to working with industry colleagues and the government as part of the group to map out a strong future for Queensland’s resources sector.

“It is heartening that the Queensland Government is actively demonstrating its commitment to industry consultation by establishing this group,” Mr de Kruijff said.

“The recent industry leaders’ workshop was testament to the enthusiasm of industry in contributing to the 30-year vision and action plan.

“I am confident the outcome of these activities will be a strong and competitive resources sector as we prepare for future challenges and opportunities.”

More information about the ResourcesQ initiative is available at: www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/resourcesq

[ENDS] 21 March 2014

Media contact: Kate Haddan 0418 373 516 or Eleisha Rogers 0413 375 088