Queensland to become leading exploration state

Queensland will become Australia’s leading state for resource exploration investment, creating jobs and building the economy, with the help of a new report that provides innovative direction for the industry.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps told the Queensland Exploration Council breakfast today that the Newman Government was working with the resources sector to deliver on its election promise to grow resources as a pillar of the Queensland economy.

“The Newman Government has a strong plan for a brighter future and we’re committed to ensuring Queenslanders enjoy the benefits of the resources sector for generations to come,” Mr Cripps said.

“The sector employs tens of thousands of people, providing livelihoods for families now and promises to support jobs into the future.

“That’s why we’re working with the sector to position Queensland as the best-performing exploration jurisdiction in Australia and to identify how we can improve the way we do business to make this happen.

“We are committed, through our ResourcesQ partnership with industry, to develop a 30-year vision and action plan to grow a robust resources sector that will continue to deliver significant economic benefits for Queensland communities.

“We realize Queensland’s resource potential starts with exploration, which is critical to discovering the new resources that will drive future mines and energy projects.

“The former Labor Government took the resources sector for granted and hindered economic development with unnecessary red tape and regulation.

“The LNP, on the other hand, want to keep growing exploration despite tight global economic conditions where explorers report they are struggling to attract investment.”

Mr Cripps said he established the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Exploration in October 2013 and its report built upon the good work the Newman Government was already doing to reform the resources sector, reduce red tape and make Queensland more attractive for exploration investment.

“I thank the committee for helping identify ways Queensland can attract more exploration investment and promote sustainable growth of our mining and petroleum & gas sectors,” he said.

Mr Cripps said the report provided 18 recommendations across nine areas.

“The committee has advised the government to make more land available for exploration, deliver more high-level, world class geoscience and grow and expand incentives to support greenfield exploration,” he said.

“There were also strong messages to cut exploration costs by streamlining exploration permit regulations and examining further opportunities to minimise costs to industry and I’m pleased to say the government has already acted on some of the committee’s advice.

“Queensland’s resources sector laws are currently being modernised and simplified and we have already delivered changes to the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 to extend exploration work programs and provide more flexible tenure relinquishment arrangements.”

The report is available at: www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/our-department/policies-initiatives/mining-and-resources-initiatives/mace

[ENDS] 17 June 2014

Media contact: Kate Haddan 0418 373 516