Queenslanders’ trust in resources sector reaches new heights

Click here for photo of QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson

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A survey has revealed more Queenslanders than ever value and trust the resources sector, acknowledging its long-term importance to our economy and way of life.

Speaking at a Queensland Futures Institute Policy Leaders’ Forum on the future of the state’s resources sector, Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson revealed public perception of the industry is changing for the better.

“We are witnessing a significant and positive shift in how Queenslanders perceive the resources sector with research showing nearly seven out of ten people (69%) consider mining to be extremely or very important to our state,” Ms Hewson said.

“It’s an increase on the 59 per cent of Queenslanders who felt that way at the start of 2024.

“Demand for Queensland resources, including traditional commodities like coal and gas along with emerging critical minerals, will remain strong for decades to come with the industry playing a key role in the energy transition.

“These results indicate that public trust in the resources sector is growing, as the sector itself continues to evolve to meet market, commercial and community expectations around sustainability and its role in the energy transition.”

Continued public support and social licence are important to the sector’s future success, with resources CEO’s suggesting it’s the single greatest opportunity for the industry in the coming five years.

Ms Hewson told the Forum that Queensland’s resources sector has a positive future but governments at all levels need to get the right policy settings to encourage new investment and provide industry stability.

“Queensland resources companies are doing their bit to make significant investment to maintain our international reputation for innovation, technology and sustainability practices,” Ms Hewson said.

“But to bring new projects on and continue to invest in existing operations, we need policies that encourage more investment to ensure the resources sector continues to underpin Queensland’s economic prosperity.

“It’s encouraging to see the new Queensland Government taking steps to streamline project approvals, but coal companies also need a fair and balanced royalty tax system to make multi-billion-dollar investment commitments.

“It’s clear that Queenslanders understand how important it is to maintain a strong and productive resources sector and want governments to work constructively with the industry.

“The survey also revealed a growing understanding that Queensland’s resources are critical to the global energy transition and our state can play a key role in achieving lower emissions targets.”

Key findings on Queenslanders attitudes towards mining from the survey conducted following last year’s state election include:

• 69% of Queenslanders and 75% of regional Queenslanders agree that mining is important to our way of life.
• Six in 10 people agree the resources sector provides economic security for Queensland.
• 57% think the government should consult industry better about regulation.

Media Contact:

Jana Dore – [email protected]

Matt Dunstan – [email protected]

The QRC is Queensland’s peak body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers across the resources sector. The resources sector contributes one in every four dollars to the state economy, supports one in six Queensland jobs, supports  17,000 businesses and contributes to more than 1,600 community organisations – all from 0.1 per cent of Queensland’s land mass.