Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence received $5.7 million funding

The State Government has all but confirmed an end to the decade-long mine royalty freeze the day $5.7m was announced to prop up the new economy minerals sector from Mackay.

Mackay is set to become a key player in Queensland’s new economy minerals sector after the State Government announced a $5.7 million investment to expand the Resources Centre of Excellence.

The announcement comes on a day the government all but confirmed the imminent return of coal royalties after a 10-year freeze.

About 15,000 people have gone through the centre’s stage one and the next phase is tipped to support up to 24 full time jobs throughout construction.

There will be up to 100 permanent employees once stage two is operational.

The funding is part of a the 2022-23 State Budget to be announced later this month.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said it was a major win for the resources sector and for “regional jobs of tomorrow”.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick with Resources Minister Scott Stewart (left) and Mackay Regional Council mayor Greg Williamson (right) at the Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence funding announcement. Picture: Max O'Driscoll

“It (Resources Centre) is the home of Queensland innovation and training and it is world recognised for the important work it is doing in this community and the work it is doing for Queensland,” Mr Dick said.

He said the centre supported the minerals sector to generate more prosperity for the state.

“The new funding will allow the Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence to increase their work within the new economy minerals sector, ensuring we have the skilled workforce and sharpest minds working in our mines,” Mr Dick said.

“The world looks to Queensland for secure, ethical, sustainable supply of resources.

“That is such an important opportunity for us.”

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the investment was about putting Queensland “ahead of the curve”.

“As the world’s economies start to decarbonise, they will be looking for those new economy minerals that are found in abundance here in Queensland,” Mr Stewart said.

“We know we have got some of the best resources, mined by some of the best people with some of the most stringent ESG credentials that puts us streets ahead of our competitors.

“This investment in phase two is a natural fit.

“It will show the rest of the world that we advancing in those technologies.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the council would also put $500,000 of their next budget into the project.

“It is about delivering for Queensland, for this region, the future that we all are going to have our kids employed in,” Mr Williamson said.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker also confirmed phase three of the project would be based in Moranbah.

“It will cover a lot of futuristic research science, rehabilitation, mine safety, skills workforce and all of those things that are critical for the future for all of us,” Ms Baker said.

Resources Centre of Excellence chief executive officer Steven Boxall said the flow-on economic effect of the centre had been beyond his imagination.

He said the investment was important in ensuring the range of school kids coming through the facility were exposed to new technologies and systems that are not involved with traditional mining and coal.

Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steven Boxall. Picture: Duncan Evans

Mr Dick was also questioned on the upcoming decision around coal royalties, suggesting the 10-year freeze was likely to end.

“I’ve always been a friend of the resources industry but the point of being a friend and the value of friendship, is being able to tell the truth,” Mr Dick said.

“The truth is these companies have been making very significant amounts of money and coal prices have been at record highs, and those resources belong to the people of Queensland, so the people of our state deserve their fair share.

“We’ve had a 10 year royalty freeze in Queensland and we’ve honoured that.”