The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the initiative of a State Parliamentary Committee to visit mine operations as part of its inquiry into safety legislation for the sector.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the State Parliament’s Education, Employment and Small Business Committee will visit an underground mine in the coal mining town of Moranbah and hold a public hearing there today. QRC will appear before the Committee at Moranbah.
“I welcome the initiative of the all-party Parliamentary Committee to visit mining regions – Moranbah today and Mount Isa yesterday (Wednesday, 18 April),” Macfarlane said.
“The resources sector is so vital to Queensland’s economy and communities across the State. Latest data shows the resources sector generates one in every AUS$6 in the Queensland economy, supports one in every eight jobs in the Queensland workforce and earns more than half of Queensland’s AUS$70 billion exports.”
“The Committee will see first-hand the resources sector at work, and I welcome the Committee’s decision to visit the region.”
“The fact is the continued growth of the industry – and the continued growth in opportunities for Queenslanders that it can provide – depends on a stable regulatory environment to sustainably develop the State’s coal, mineral and gas reserves, and draw new investment and create new jobs for Queenslanders.”
“The safety of the men and women working in the resources sector is of fundamental importance to the QRC and its members. The industry is committed to working with the Government and the Members of Parliament to ensure safety of all workers remains paramount.”