DALBY RESOURCE SUMMIT COMES TO A CLOSE

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas visited the Surat Basin today for a major resource summit, the second of three being held across Queensland.

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

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

Among the key issues discussed at today’s summit were the property rights of landholders, impact of mining on prime farming land, maintenance of local roads and the need for greater communication between the levels of government.

“Land use in the context of the competing priorities of farming and mining was also heavily discussed 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.

“We have also extended the public consultation period for the South West, Central West and Maranoa and Districts regional plans to November 30.

“This will ensure the feedback received at these summits is incorporated into the finalised plans,” 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 Surat 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 Dalby, Chinchilla 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).

LGAQ President Councillor Paul Bell AM said that today we have heard strong views on the impact of resource industry activity on generations of farmers and families.

“It is also clear that councils need improved mechanisms to negotiate on key infrastructure needs.

“Local government’s job is to balance opportunities and to push for improved regulation and joint long-term planning mechanisms to benefit all sectors of the community.

“The Sustainable Resource Communities Partnership, engagement by QRC and the leadership shown by the Deputy Premier is opening doors to find practical ways to address the issues raised to date,” Cr Bell said.

QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche said mining and farming had developed side-by-side in Queensland for more than a century and QRC members were keen to continue that close working relationship while helping to foster and develop communities in mining regions.

“The resources sector believes improvements in resource-community infrastructure and services are critical to attract and retain employees while improving the quality of life for all residents.

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

AgForce President John Cotter said the steps the Bligh Government have undertaken to date are consistent with AgForce’s proposed mining strategy to deal with rural industry concerns.

“We look forward to working with Government to resolve outstanding issues with compensation and protection of agricultural land.

“It was good to hear Deputy Premier Paul Lucas state that the resources industry must address – through peer pressure – its worst performers to improve industry standards.

“The Dalby summit was an opportunity to open the floor to community debate about priorities between food production and resource extraction land uses,” Mr Cotter said.

The next and final resource summit will be held in Mount Isa next Friday (28 November).

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