The leader of Australia’s largest coal region has welcomed a push for mineral royalties to be distributed in a clear-cut approach to rural, regional and remote communities.
The leader of Australia’s largest coal region has welcomed a push for mineral royalties to be distributed in a clear-cut approach to rural, regional and remote communities.
Anne Baker, Mayor of Isaac Regional Council, urged the State Government to take heed of the Queensland Labor Conference’s motion calling for a transparent royalties’ method to be developed prioritising reinvestment of funds in rural Queensland.
“Resource communities have been calling for a better return of coal royalties for a long time now,” Mayor Baker said.
“It’s heartening to hear that echoed at Queensland State Labor Conference in Mackay on the weekend.”
The Isaac region is home to 31 operating coal mines and produces over half of Queensland’s metallurgical coal exports. This delivers more than $13 billion in revenue to support the state treasury.
Mayor Baker said with record breaking coal royalties pouring out of the region, Council is confident the projects it has proposed for Queensland Government budget consideration would be looked on favourably.
“These projects go to the very heart of key issues affecting our community futures such as housing, health and critical infrastructure,” Mayor Baker said.
“This may seem like big money, but these are big issues in a time of record-breaking royalties. Now is the time to make sure the wealth of coal royalties goes to communities that need it most.
“Our region has fed, powered and built communities right across Queensland and this reinvestment will ensure we continue to do so in the future.”
The budget bid includes funding the $26 million Stage 2 construction of the Isaac Resource Excellence Hub which will provide opportunities for workers to develop future skills at the training and innovation centre.
As part of the Clermont Seniors Living Project, $9.332 million is needed for the Monash Lodge precinct to supply accommodation for some of our most vulnerable community members.
About $10 million for the Moranbah Waste Management Facility to increase capacity and to improve the Isaac region’s ability to manage waste generated by the community, renewables sector and existing resource industry projects.
To help combat the issues for housing, $4 million is needed for the Isaac Affordable Housing Scheme.
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