PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) has welcomed the draft Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan (QRIDP), saying it highlighted the importance of the natural gas industry to the Queensland economy.
The QRIDP identifies the biggest global trends affecting the industry now and over the next three decades, and presents actions that will enable industry and government to respond to these trends.
Trends identified in the QRIDP include decarbonisation, corporate and social responsibility, the scarcity and complexity of access to quality resources, an increasing consumer base in the Indo-Pacific region, geopolitics and emerging innovations which are expected to make mining safe and more productive.
Speaking at the first forum examining the draft QRIDP in Townsville, Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the government is focused on securing a strong long-term future for Queensland’s resources industry.
“Our vision for the next 30 years is for a resilient, responsible and sustainable Queensland resources industry that grows as it transforms. The plan outlines how we will work with industry to achieve this vision.
“We now want to hear everyone’s view on this plan to position Queensland’s resources sector to help lead our economic recovery into the future.
“The global demand for new economy minerals to electrify the global economy and address climate change is growing day by day - already we are seeing growth in the value of metal exports from Queensland up 9.3% over the past year to A$10.6-billion.
“Right now, we have an enormous opportunity to find, mine, process and manufacture what the world needs to decarbonise its economy,” Stewart said.
Appea acting Queensland director Matthew Paull said the plan provided improved certainty and clarity for Queensland’s resources sector with the natural gas industry continuing to be the backbone of the state economy.
‘’The plan shows an understanding of the vital role natural gas plays right throughout the state and particularly in our regional communities.
‘’According to EY, the right policy settings could deliver Queensland an additional A$30-billion of investment over the next 20 years and almost A$130-billion to Queensland’s economy, creating thousands of jobs,’’ said Paull.
“This plan confirms that role as a provider of the reliable, affordable gas we depend on while also developing renewable energy technologies. As Queensland transitions to a low emissions future, natural gas will reduce emissions by replacing coal and providing reliable energy to support renewable technologies.”