The Queensland resources sector is facing some of the toughest conditions in decades, with more than 20,000 jobs lost over the past two years as a result of the downturn.
A statement by Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche released a statement today, which said he has contacted the Queensland Premier over a plan to protect jobs.
“Today I have written to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk seeking an urgent meeting with the government’s cabinet jobs committee to discuss a plan that will help to protect the current 60,000 resource sector jobs and the tens of thousands of jobs across the 24,000 businesses that support the industry,” Mr Roche said.
“The Queensland Resources Council is not looking for bailouts or subsidies but our entire sector needs certainty and support in the shape of commitments to reduce red tape and unjustified government-imposed costs.
“The sector is also seeking a long-term commitment to royalty stability beyond the life of this parliament.
“Even in these most difficult of times there are companies prepared to invest in new job-generating projects because of the strong growth in demand for resource commodities in India and South East Asia. However those projects are locked up in interminable court appeals by green activists.”
He said government action was needed to get projects out of the courts, creating thousands of construction jobs and thousands more permanent jobs.
“While the sector may be in a downturn, there will inevitably be an upturn and we must have a plan in place to be ready to take advantage of the upswing,” he said.
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