State’s budget priorities must go a long way for Queenslanders
Queensland’s resources sector is urging the State Government to deliver a budget that protects one of the state’s largest economic drivers. Facing growing global competition, rising costs and workforce challenges, QRC’s submission highlights the policy settings needed to maintain investment, support communities, and secure future growth.
Read the media release, review the key economic facts, or access the full coal contribution report below.
The regions who generate all the royalties from resources produced in their communities, need a fairer share for their own hospitals, roads and public amenities as well as common user infrastructure like power and rail
–– Janette Hewson, QRC Chief Executive Officer
Media Release
State’s budget priorities must go a long way for Queenslanders
Queensland’s resources sector is calling for a state budget that supports one of the largest industries with more competitive settings and fairer coal royalties.
Resources have hit economic headwinds with increased global competition, rising business costs, changing regulations and skilled labour shortages.
Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) pre-budget submission to Treasury prioritises investments for the upcoming 2026-27 state budget and calls for economic settings to ensure the future prosperity of the state.
QRC’s recommendations will help get resource investment flowing again while providing stability for Queensland’s economy and for future generations of southeast and regional Queenslanders.
To support the sector’s ongoing competitiveness, QRC’s 2026-27 state budget priorities call for:
- Fair returns for regions and fairer policies for the sector: Commitment to revisit coal royalty rates and publish an annual regional royalty expenditure statement.
- Expansion of funding for workforce skills and decarbonisation.
- Support exploration and the next generation of resources operations with funding and grants that unlock developments of traditional resources and critical minerals required for energy security and the transition.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said the government’s commitment to rebuilding confidence and recent decisions through the Resources Cabinet Committee were welcomed by sector.
“We are seeing improvements and want this to continue with meaningful changes for a sustainable and investment-ready sector,” Ms Hewson said.
“Resources are still the powerhouse of this state, supporting one in every five Queensland jobs and resources companies spending $35.8 billion with 17,600 business and supporting 1,733 community organisations.
“If we want that level of returns to Queensland to continue long-term, we seek the Government’s support to respond to changing market and global conditions.”
Ms Hewson said a more balanced coal royalty regime and fairer share of regional returns continued to be critical for the sector.
“The regions who generate all the royalties from resources produced in their communities, need a fairer share for their own hospitals, roads and public amenities as well as common user infrastructure like power and rail.”
Media Contact:
Miguel Holland – [email protected] or 0437 758 347
