Coal Challenges Hit Regional Queensland

RIN Calls for Action

In the past week, our region has once again been thrust into the spotlight. One mine has closed and another has reduced production. Rising costs and the reduction in coal prices have made it unsustainable to continue normal operation. A key contributor to this challenge has been Queensland’s royalty regime, which has placed further strain on an already challenged sector.

RIN’s position has been clear and consistent since the sudden royalty increase in 2022: we do not support initiatives that hinder investment and growth within the resource industry. Over many years, RIN has worked closely with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) to ensure the voice of the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector is heard. These issues affect not only multinational companies, but also hardworking local businesses.

Every regional business is, in our view, impacted by the resources sector - whether directly supplying equipment and services or indirectly supporting the industry through cafes, hotels, trades, and other essential services. When mining slows, whole communities feel the impact.

One of RIN’s key roles is to actively advocate for our members to help secure their prosperity. The LNP has not signalled an intention to review the royalty regime inherited from the former government. A clear position from regional communities is now essential: to demonstrate the real impact on jobs, suppliers, and entire towns.

We are the voice at the frontline of these changes, but we cannot do this alone. RIN is seeking your assistance in advocating for our industry and communities to the LNP government.

Member Engagement is Now Critical

To demonstrate the real impact on regional communities, and to show local MPs just how important supplier contracts are, RIN is calling on members to join us in advocating for change to the current royalty structure.

This will involve four key phases:

•  Build Community Support: Circulate a Petition

•  Drive Digital Advocacy: Share Your Story on Video

•  Amplify Supplier Voices: Represent in Local Media

•  Lead Delegation to Parliament: Meet with MPs


Our Ask of You

•  Indicate if you would support circulating and promoting a petition

•  Put your hand up to take part in the digital campaign

•  Consider becoming a media voice for our community

•  Express your interest in joining the supplier delegation to Parliament


Talking Points for Suppliers to use with MPs & Stakeholders

Central Queensland’s coal industry has powered the state for decades, funding infrastructure, hospitals, and essential services, while building businesses, careers, and communities.

The 7,500 suppliers RIN represents are hardworking, diverse, and essential. They include family-run businesses, sole traders, cafes, engineers, hotels, bakers, butchers, and more. Every regional business is connected to mining activity.

The new coal royalty regime introduced under the former government means miners in Queensland are paying up to 70 cents in every dollar back to the government.

When the coal industry is hit that hard, regional Queensland feels it first. It impacts local businesses, staff, and whole towns.

While this problem wasn’t created by the current government, it now falls to Premier Crisafulli and his team to ensure regional Queensland does not slide backwards.

Regional Queensland deserves a fair and competitive royalty structure that secures jobs, investment, and prosperity for decades to come.

Our voices must be heard as strongly as the vocal minority in Brisbane.

Together, we can show the real impact of royalties on our region and ensure the voices of suppliers, workers, and communities are impossible to ignore. RIN is committed to leading this effort, but your involvement is critical.

Dean Kirkwood, General Manager at Resource Industry Network

‍