SUMMIT DISCUSSES GROWTH ISSUES

Dysart: Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas and the Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson were back in the Bowen Basin today for a major resource summit, the first of three being held across Queensland.

Key stakeholders were invited to the summit in Dysart chaired by the Deputy Premier.

“Today was about bringing all stakeholders together to discuss the best way forward for these communities.”

“My pre-summit visit in September was about doing my homework for the summits so I came here today with a knowledge of the issues,” Mr Lucas said.

Among key issues discussed at today’s summit were housing affordability, maintenance and funding for roads, the environmental and social impacts of mining as well as conflicting farming and mining priorities.

“Infrastructure needs for the local communities was high on their list of concerns and was a topic discussed heavily today.

“The information gathered during today’s summit will be instrumental in assisting the Bligh Government to understand and address the challenges faced by these regional communities,” Mr Lucas said.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the Bligh Government would work towards a solution that was in everyone’s best interests.

“Everyone’s got a stake in the long term sustainable development of the Bowen Basin. Our summits give key stakeholders a seat at the table. We want to hear what they’ve got to say and take their concerns on board.

“This is about looking beyond the horizon and planning for the future of communities like Dysart, Moranbah and other mining towns. While we all enjoy the benefits of the resources boom, we won’t turn our back on communities at the coal face,” Mr Wilson said.

“Mining has helped forge our strong economy. From the gold rush days of the 1800s, mining has become a multi-billion dollar industry that is powering Queensland.

“There are two issues at stake here. One is the key economic driver of the state’s strong economy. The other is our most valuable resource – the people who live and work in mining communities.

“We need to look after both of them and I am confident we can strike the right balance by working together on a solution that is in everyone’s best interests,” Mr Wilson said.

Earlier this year the Bligh Government released the Sustainable Resource Communities Policy, and in August it released the Sustainable Resource Communities Partnership Agreement, which recognises the need to build and maintain liveable resource communities.

The agreement is a partnership between the Queensland Government, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

"We all recognise that resource sector activities across Queensland bring many shared benefits and opportunities,” Councillor Paul Bell AM, President of the LGAQ said.

“However, local infrastructure and services are under increased pressure from the impact of operations and workforces on communities and local economies.

"The resource communities summits provide a real opportunity for local government to meet with the Queensland Government, the industry and local stakeholders to discuss the issues at hand and address longer term planning challenges,” Cr Bell said.

QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche said improvements in resource community infrastructure and services through this partnership were critical to attract and retain employees, especially with forecast strong medium to long-term growth for the coal industry.

“The Queensland Resources Council is proud of its integral role in the development of the Sustainable Resource Communities Policy and Partnership Agreement.

”We congratulate the Queensland Government and the Local Government Association of Queensland for their commitment to a better deal for resource communities.

“This Summit has provided valuable community feedback to government and other stakeholders, and will link closely with activities being conducted through the Partnership Agreement, as well as other processes,” Mr Roche said.

AgForce also has a keen interest in the outcome of these summits as the peak organisation representing Queensland’s rural producers.

“There are significant issues relating to the interaction between farming, and mining and exploration activity,” AgForce President John Cotter said.

“Some recent progress has been made in resolving these issues and AgForce will continue working with the Government on the more complex aspects, including standardising compensation for affected producers and the protection of agricultural land for future food production.”

The next resource summit will be held in Dalby tomorrow.

Media Contacts

Deputy Premier’s Office: Chelsea Toomey 0408 701 409
Minister Wilson’s Office: Ellen McIntyre (07) 3225 1819