QRC welcomes Opposition investment in resources education for the regions

Today the Opposition heard calls from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) for more investment in skilled employment in the regions and for women in the resources sector.

The Opposition Leader, David Crisafulli, announced $2.5 million in funding proposed by the QRC as part of its 2024 Election Priorities.

The QRC Chief Executive Officer, Janette Hewson, said the funding would support two programs outlined in their 2024 Election Priorities that seeks to secure a prosperous future for Queensland and ensure long-term investment in the sector.

“The QRC welcomes the announcement by the Opposition for $2.5 million to develop a skills pipeline for the resources sector and enourage more women into operating and technical roles,” said Janette.

“This investment addresses one of the key challenges facing the resources sector and regional communities to attract and retain a skilled workforce.

“As an industry we are making major investments to attract and retain skilled workers and encourage young people to consider one of the many careers available in the resources sector.

“We are pleased the Opposition recognises the need for regional education hubs to support local schools and have listened to the QRC and its members’ calls to encourage more women into the sector.

“The announcement also recognises the Opposition is listening to the QRC’s 2024 Election Priorities released last month and comes after recent announcements that the LNP supports the return of the Resources Sub-Committee into Cabinet and Regulatory Impact Statements.

“This is a positive start to what the resources sector is seeking from Government and an important milestone for young people and women who want to live, train and work in their local community.”

The funding will enable the education arm of the QRC, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), to establish new regional education hubs and expand into 50 primary and secondary schools.

An investment of $2 million over three years will support areas like Mackay to strengthen the talent pipeline and address enduring skill shortages particularly across STEM fields.

The hub would embed educators in the regions to deliver practical workshops in local schools encouraging students to pursue STEM vocational and academic pathways securing their skills for future employment in the resources sector.

Another $500,000 has been announced by the Opposition for a QRC-led training program and public awareness campaign to encourage more women into operating and technical roles.

Janette Hewson said that there are currently only 15 percent of women in operating roles and this initiative will encourage more women into the sector.

“It’s essential that we continue to attract and retain women in STEM and field positions,” said Janette.

“The resources sector offers women an opportunity to participate in an industry that significantly contributes to Queensland and to regional communities.”

The QMEA is an industry led school education partnership that provides career pathways into the resources sector.

The QRC’s Election Priorities can be found on the QRC website at www.qrc.org.au.

Media Contact: Jana Dore – [email protected]