In a statement from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), it has been reported that more people than ever before in the Greater Mackay region are working in jobs supported by the mining and energy sector, rising by five per cent during the past financial year.
The region, including Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays is now home to more people directly employed in the resources sector than any other region in Queensland, pushing Brisbane out of the top spot.
The QRC’s latest Economic Contribution report shows the sector now supports around 85,000 jobs in the area, representing almost 80 per cent of total employment.
Speaking from Mackay earlier this week, QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the region was a modern-day workhorse for the resources sector and for Queensland.
“The resources sector contributed $18.4 billion to the Mackay region last financial year, representing 91 per cent of Gross Regional Product,” he said.
“This demonstrates how important the industry is to the region’s economy, and likewise how important the Mackay region is to Queensland.
“It’s why we need to continue to attract new investment in new, greenfield resources projects to support continued growth in our sector.
Mr Macfarlane said the State Government’s sudden decision last year to impose the world’s highest coal royalty taxes without consultation had increased the risk profile of investing in Queensland compared to other mining jurisdictions in Australia and around the world.
“There are mine projects literally across the border in New South Wales which are paying much lower royalty taxes than Queensland.
“That’s the reality of being an industry driven by private sector investment, the majority of which comes from overseas.” He said.
Ian MacFarlane said the industry will continue to call on the State Government to reconsider its decision.
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane
Photo supplied
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