QRC puts spotlight on Western Downs’ resources sector

15 September 2023

The emerging economic and job opportunities from the resources sector on the western Darling Downs was the focus of a Queensland Resources Council (QRC) event in Dalby overnight.

Over 80 people gathered at the Urban Paddock Café last night for an event that QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said reflects the region’s growing significance to the state economy.

“The QRC was very pleased to host this event with the Western Downs Regional Council and Australian Energy Producers*, bringing together local government, industry, business and community representatives,” he said.

“We also appreciate the support of event sponsor and major regional employer Senex in bringing together people who share the common goal of charting a sustainable pathway forward for our industry in this region.

“In the 2021/22 financial year, the resources sector contributed $1.9 billion to the Darling Downs economy and supported more than 9 thousand local jobs.

“Here on the Western Downs, the resources sector contributed $580 million, supporting 700 jobs and spent almost $200 million with local businesses, charities and sports clubs.

“Gas producers in this region in particular have been critical to maintaining supply across Australia’s east coast, providing the energy to keep industries running and the lights on in homes and businesses across the state.

“The Resources Roundup provided an opportunity to talk about how the gas sector can be developed sustainably and responsibly to deliver further economic benefits to the people of the Western Downs, which requires ongoing consultation with all parties,” Mr Macfarlane said.

Western Downs Regional Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Resources Roundup was a good opportunity to discuss issues of importance to the local resources industry.

“There is significant potential for the resources and energy sector to bring even greater economic benefits to our region, particularly through jobs, and the Roundup was a good opportunity to speak with some of the industry representatives behind local projects,” Cr McVeigh said.

“We are proud of the contribution the Western Downs region makes to the state and national economies through the hard work of the women and men behind a number of industries, including the gas sector, through sustainable co-existence.

“Council looks forward to hosting another Resources Roundup with the QRC as the industry continues to grow in this region.”

Senex Chief Operating Officer Darren Stevenson said Senex was committed to delivering essential energy for life that not only benefited the Western Downs and the Maranoa, but Australian factories and their workers, businesses, and households too.

“We’re proud of our role in supporting the economic successes of regions like the Western Downs and are hopeful we will find a way to deliver on our expansion plans that will invest a further $200 million into local communities,” Mr Stevenson said.

“Senex looks forward to continuing to provide the energy essential to our modern lives and in the process generating economic activity and jobs in the communities we serve”.

*formerly known as APPEA.