A major investment in skills training is set to deliver a stronger future workforce for Queensland’s booming resources industry, with the expansion of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) announced this week in Mackay.
The Queensland Government is allocating $2 million over three years to expand the QMEA into regional hubs across Central and North Queensland, starting right here in Mackay. The first hub will be established at the Resources Centre of Excellence, followed by Rockhampton in 2026 and Townsville in 2027.
The QMEA currently connects with more than 6,000 students annually through its 100-strong school network, raising awareness of careers in the resources and energy sectors. The new funding will grow that reach to an additional 10,000 students, including primary school cohorts.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said the expansion would play a key role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers.
“The resources sector is critical to Queensland’s economy and as it continues to grow, we need to make sure we develop the pipeline of talent the industry needs now and into the future,” Minister Bates said.
“This expansion over three years will see the program reach up to 10,000 additional students and will also transition into primary schools.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, said Mackay was the perfect place to launch the regional expansion.
“Mining is Queensland’s biggest industry employing more than 81,000 people, 60 per cent of whom live in regions like Mackay and the Bowen Basin,” Minister Last said.
“It’s a great industry to work in with so many rewarding career possibilities from the coal face to geology and everything in between.”
The announcement was welcomed by Queensland Resources Council CEO Janette Hewson, who said the investment would help strengthen the sector’s future.
“The resources sector is the backbone of the Queensland economy contributing more than $120 billion into our economy last year,” Ms Hewson said.
“We need to attract the next generation of engineers, electricians, environmental scientists and many others to be a part of a sustainable and innovative resources sector that will shape our future.”
For students already involved in QMEA programs, the expansion offers more opportunities to explore and pursue resource careers.
Amy, a QMEA Student Ambassador from Mackay State High School, shared how the program has influenced her own journey.
“This expansion strengthens the link between schools and the resources industry – and it’s not just good for students, it’s good for the whole community,” Amy said.
She added that QMEA had helped her discover a future she hadn’t previously considered.
“The announcement that QMEA is expanding into more schools across regional communities is a huge step forward. It means more students will get the chance to explore industries they might not have considered – and find career paths they didn’t know existed.”
Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, said the funding would open new doors for young people.
“We want them to see just how exciting and important this industry is,” he said.
Glenn Kelly, Member for Mirani, described the region as the powerhouse behind Queensland’s resource wealth.
“We’re standing here in the electorate of Mirani – this is the engine room of Queensland.
“This is where big industry lives, and where the next generation comes through in the form of apprenticeships, which are so important to me.
“Just over the hill – the Bowen Basin – contributes around $40 billion to our economy.
“Around 100 million tonnes of coal gets distributed to Hay Point to go on the vessels overseas and that’s why it’s so important, not just for Mirani, but for Central Queensland and all of Queensland.
“That shows how important today’s announcement is,” Mr Kelly said.
The QMEA expansion is not only equipping students with future-ready skills, but also strengthening the economic fabric of regional Queensland communities like Mackay and Mirani.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last visited the Resources Centre of Excellence in Paget last Friday to announce a $2 million expansion of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, aimed at strengthening the future workforce for the state’s booming resources sector. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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