The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has called for the upcoming state government budget to support the resources industry with more competitive settings and fairer coal royalties to offset global competition.

The QRC said its pre-budget submission recommendations have been set out to enable the future prosperity of the state while ensuring resource investment can get “flowing again” to provide stability for the local economy.

Key recommendations include support for exploration with funding and grants that unlock development of traditional resources and critical minerals required for energy security and the transition to greener operations.

In addition, the QRC has called for an expansion of funding to upskill the current workforce and help towards decarbonisation efforts, as well as a commitment to revisit coal royalty rates and publish an annual regional royalty expenditure statement.

“The regions who generate all the royalties from resources produced in their communities, need a fairer share for their own hospitals, roads and public amenities as well as common user infrastructure like power and rail,” QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson said.

Recommendations are made against a backdrop of what the QRC describes as economic headwinds with increased global competition, rising business costs, changing regulations and skilled labour shortages.

“Resources are still the powerhouse of this state, supporting one in every five Queensland jobs and resources companies spending $35.8 billion with 17,600 business and supporting 1733 community organisations,” Hewson said.

“If we want that level of returns to Queensland to continue long-term, we seek the government’s support to respond to changing market and global conditions.”

Read more: Queensland’s coal royalties and what they mean for the sector

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