QRC CEO Janette Hewson advocates for bold balanced policies for 2025 at first Resources Roundup

At the inaugural Resources Roundup of 2025, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) outlined a forward-thinking vision for Queensland’s resources sector, reaffirming the sector’s critical role in driving positive economic growth, a diverse energy mix and sustainable outcomes across the State and Australia. 

As industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered, QRC CEO Janette Hewson reaffirmed the QRC’s commitment to fostering collaboration, driving constructive dialogue, and shaping strategic solutions to secure a competitive and sustainable future for Queensland’s resources sector.  

Speaking at the Resources Roundup in Brisbane, which coincided with the first sitting of the new Government, Ms Hewson spoke about the beginning of a new chapter for the resources sector, defined by innovation, sustainability and proactive engagement with government.  

Hewson said that this would build on the significant contributions made by the resources sector in 2023-2024, noting that it delivered an economic contribution of $120.2 billion to Queensland, supported more than 554,000 direct and indirect jobs and invested a record $35.8 billion into over 17,000 business and 1,654 community organisations. 

“These figures are far more than just statistics – they are a testament to the essential role the resources sector plays in creating community prosperity and driving Queensland’s economic growth,” she said. 

A key focus of the Resources Roundup event was the need for a robust policy framework and settings that attract both new and continued investments across all commodities, including coal, gas, metals and critical minerals.  

“This balanced approach is critical,” Ms Hewson said.  

“Natural gas underpins our energy security and economic stability; steelmaking coal supports Future Made and decarbonisation goals; thermal coal meets domestic and global demand; and critical minerals are essential for the new, low-emissions technologies of tomorrow.” 

Emphasising the importance of genuine dialogue and balanced policy frameworks, Hewson added that the new Government’s willingness to engage on all topics and consult meaningfully with industry is highly encouraging.   

“The commitment to the Resources Cabinet Committee is welcome, and we will use this forum to ensure that decisions about our sector’s future are fair, balanced and consultative,” she said. 

Hewson also outlined the QRC’s view on what the 2025 budget priorities should be: 

• Maintaining stable policies that keep Queensland competitive as a global leader in sustainable mining and gas development. 

• Investing in infrastructure for resources regions, including common user utilities, and ensuring transparent allocation of royalties. 

• Supporting research and development towards decarbonisation and sustainable outcomes. 

• Fostering a pipeline of skilled staff to sustain industry success, exemplified by the $2 million commitment to expanding the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy. 

• Strengthening support for Queensland’s natural gas sector by streamlining regulatory processes to boost exploration and secure a reliable, affordable energy supply for Queensland and Australia. 

“Queensland has the resource prospectivity, expertise, and world-class geoscientific data to attract exploration investment, but certainty is key,” she added.  

“The 2024 Scorecard reveals a slight improvement in investment sentiment, yet policy uncertainty and regulatory delays remain major concerns. If we are to unlock Queensland’s vast potential and ensure a steady pipeline of new projects, we must provide a clear and consistent pathway from exploration to production.” 

In her closing remarks, Janette Hewson said that the QRC remains unwavering in its commitment to championing Queensland’s resources sector to secure fair, competitive taxation settings that encourage investment in new projects but also support sustained growth in existing operations.