The successful implementation of a bold new industry development plan for Queensland’s
$82.6 billion resources sector will provide decades of jobs for Queenslanders, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) said today.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said today’s launch of a Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan (QRIDP) by Resources Minister Scott Stewart was a crucial step towards building the state’s global reputation as a low-emissions energy superpower.
“The State Government is delivering on its pre-election commitment to work with the QRC and other stakeholders to develop a plan that maximises the benefits and addresses the challenges facing resources companies and resources communities at a critical time in world history,” he said.
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The role critical minerals like H-Hydrogen will play in lowering world carbon emissions was front and centre this week at the Queensland Exploration Council renewable energy technologies showcase.
With Queensland’s huge potential to provide the critical and rare earth minerals needed to manufacture smart phones, solar panels and electric cars, Queensland Exploration Council chair Kim Wainwright said it was an exciting time to be in the exploration sector.
The showcase, Ms Wainwright said, illustrated the role critical minerals would play in lowering world carbon emissions through renewable energy technologies. Chief Executive Ian MacFarlane at the Queensland Resources Council Annual Lunch at Royal International Convention Centre, Bowen Hills, Friday, November 27, 2020 – Picture: Richard Walker
Renewables critical in Queensland Resources Council showcase gladstoneobserver.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from gladstoneobserver.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The QRC has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a further $539.2 million in funding for new emissions reduction projects, calling it a necessary and pragmatic step towards helping Australia meet global emission targets.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said climate change is a critical global challenge and the resources sector, as Queensland’s largest export industry – was heavily invested in finding a responsible solution.
“QRC members are actively pursuing and investing in emission reduction initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint, so these new Commonwealth funds will help accelerate that progress,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“It’s also great to see the Federal Government recognise the sequestration opportunities available in Queensland like the work that Glencore and Millmerran Power Station are doing near Wandoan.
Three peak bodies have joined forces to welcome an assurance by the Queensland Government it can use existing powers under the Local Government Act to defend their industries from ‘unfair and inequitable’ council rate increases.
An increase in rates could potentially be levied under a proposed amendment to new COVID-19 laws introduced last year, which are due to be debated in Parliament this week.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and AgForce representatives appeared before the government’s Economics and Governance Committee inquiry into new COVID-19 legislation over the past month, providing a joint submission to speak against a draft provision to extend councils’ ability to increase rates outside the standard, annual budgetary process.