State boosts mine rehabilitation, safety and energy efficiency

Extra funds for mine safety, rehabilitation and exploration, and a boost for energy efficiency schemes are the building blocks of this year’s budget for the Department of Mines and Energy.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said $96.2 million would be spent driving the resource and energy sectors that underpin much of Queensland’s economic success.

“There is additional capital funding of $3 million along with $1.8 million in recurrent funding for mine rehabilitation work at abandoned mine sites at Mount Morgan and Croydon,” Mr Wilson said.

“An extra $830,000, part of $3 million over four years, will go towards the continued implementation of recommendations from the Review of the Queensland Mines Inspectorate.

“As well, we will fund a range of health and safety services, including pay rises for Mines Inspectors to recruit highly-qualified and skilled staff to the Inspectorate.

Mr Wilson said the Mines Inspectorate would also continue its series of unannounced audits at a range of coal and metalliferous mines across the state.

”Queensland has one of the best mine safety records in the world and the best mines safety legislation in Australia. It’s in everyone’s interests to keep it that way. There is absolutely no room for complacency,” he said.

“Funds in the 2007-08 Budget will ensure the Mines Inspectorate does all it can to monitor and oversee the enforcement of our legislation mine by mine, employer by employer and worker by worker.

“And those responsible for safety must fully play their part to ensure they never lose focus,” he said.

The State Government will also continue to support the resources sector with extra funds of $8.3 million as part of the four-year $27.5 million Smart Mining – Future Prosperity program, and $1.8 million as part of the four-year $20 million Smart Exploration program.

“Today’s exploration will yield tomorrow’s jobs,” Mr Wilson said.

“The $8.3 million Smart Mining funding will generate a collection of geophysical data needed by prospective explorers, employ specialist staff to help with land access and will include grants of $3.4 million to pave the way for further exploration,” Mr Wilson said.

“The Smart Exploration funding will lead to more geophysical data acquisition, geographical mapping and data conversion to help explorers open up untapped resources,” he said.

On the energy front, Mr Wilson said work would continue to drive a range of innovative responses to tackle the challenges of climate change.

The State Government has identified energy efficiency as a key to meeting energy challenges.

“To this end, we have provided a funding boost of $1.7 million as part of $5 million over three years for the EnergyWise program,” he said.

The EnergyWise program encourages Queenslanders to adopt more energy-efficient practices.

Initiatives include a home EnergyWise service and toolbox, information on switching to off-peak energy use and energy-efficient street-lighting.

There will be a further $1.2 million in 2007-08, as part of $4 million over four years, for the gas installation rebate scheme.

It provides a maximum of $500 for up to 7,500 Queenslanders to switch from electric to gas appliances in the home.

Mr Wilson said the State Government would continue its work at a national level to drive energy market reform.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819