All candidates vying for the marginal Federal electorate of Flynn should make their commitment to the resources sector clear before the 18 May election, Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said.
Macfarlane said the resources sector contributed AUS$6.3 billion to the gross regional product in the Flynn electorate, which includes the energy powerhouse of Gladstone.
“The resources sector’s contribution to the economy of Flynn equates to AUS$17.2 million every day,” he said.
“In Flynn, the resources sector supports 34 773 full-time equivalent jobs with a wage bill of AUS$4.27 billion. That’s an average of AUS$122 000 for every full-time equivalent job.”
Macfarlane said it was critical for the people of Flynn that there is support for the resources sector – coal, metals and gas – from all candidates.
He said it was also essential the Palaszczuk Labor Government restated its support for the resources sector.
“There is growing concern among employers and employees of the resources sector that instead of encouraging the resources sector that the Palaszczuk Government is starting to target it. Undermining mining is undermining the Queensland economy and local communities like those in the Flynn Federal electorate,” he said.