A 30-year plan for Queensland’s resources industry has been developed by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, targeting new economy minerals production and processing, and triggering new regional industries.
The draft Queensland resources industry development plan outlines measures to transform the State’s resources sector by 2050.
Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart said Queensland had the resources the world needed to build clean energy systems, combined with renewable energy.
“Queensland has the minerals that will be needed for a decarbonised economy and for building renewable energy systems,” Mr Stewart said.
“Global demand for these minerals will enable a new wave of regional industrialisation as we mine, process and manufacture what the world needs to tackle climate change,” he said.
The Minister said the Draft Plan proposed a suite of measures to drive new economy mineral development, including a Battery Industry Strategy; making abandoned mineral mines commercial operations again; and investigating potential rent deferral for new economy minerals projects.
Mr Stewart said the Draft Plan also included a review of objections processes, red tape reduction and measures to ensure a diverse, skilled workforce into the future.
“Our Government is committed to working with industry to reform processes to provide greater certainty for investment,” he said.
“The Queensland Law Reform Commission will review objections processes in consultation with the community, and the terms of reference will be developed in consultation with the Commission and stakeholders.”
The Minister said changing technology presented new job opportunities.
“We will continue to work with industry to invest in skills and training to ensure existing and new workers can seize those opportunities,” he said.
Mr Stewart is leading three months of consultation on the Plan, until February 2022, at regional and Brisbane-based forums, which is already under way.
The 92-page Draft Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
