More than $42 million will be invested into Queensland’s resources sector and land programs as part of the 2021-22 State Budget.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the latest budget would allow Queensland to continue its resources led recovery through exploration grants, initiatives and mine rehabilitation programs.
“Investing in Queensland’s world-class resources sector is a key part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery,” Mr Stewart said.
“This latest budget will invest $15.5 million to address rehabilitation of abandoned mines in Queensland.
“We will also be investing $7.7 million to continue protection of the Great Barrier Reef with the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.
“In addition, we will continue to help explorers discover new economy minerals are crucial for renewable technology such as electric vehicles and batteries.
“We will do this with $2.5 million towards Collaborative Exploration Initiative grants and a further $2.2 million to facilitative the development and expansion of the New Economy Minerals Industry.”
Mr Stewart said the resources sector was a key part of Queensland’s economic plan for recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows exploration increased by 22.5 per cent to $705 million in 12 months,” he said.
“Supporting the exploration industry is important for finding new deposits and developing potential new projects, which means more royalties, more exports and more jobs for Queenslanders.”
In 2021-22, another $11 million will be invested to continue strategic programs that improve and restore rangelands, soil and vegetation catchments through the Queensland Natural Resources Investment Program.
Also, as part of the Natural Resources Investment Program, a further $500,000 will explore ways to improve partnerships and innovative ways to deliver grant programs.
Mr Stewart said the 2021-22 budget would also deliver $3.2 million in land rent rebates to support landholders who are still struggling with drought.
“Our drought affected farmers need all the help they can get, and these rebates will help ease some of the pressure as we wait for more rain,” he said.
“In addition to this rebate, drought declared landholders will be granted a hardship deferral for required rent payments.”
Mr Stewart said his department’s capital investment program would support the management of disclaimed mine sites and maintenance of Queensland’s stock route network.
“It also includes investment in digital solutions to support the vast datasets used to stimulate economic development in Queensland and other critical property, plant and equipment assets to support service delivery requirements,” he said.
“Through this budget, the Palaszczuk Government is doing what it can to help keep business working and people employed.”
