Ian Macfarlane resigns as CEO of Qld Resources Council (QRC)

Queensland Resources Council chief executive officer Ian Macfarlane has revealed he will retire from the role at the end of the year.

Outgoing Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane

The head of Queensland’s powerful mining body has announced his shock retirement after seven years in the role.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive officer Ian Macfarlane confirmed he would step down from the role as the head of the mining industry’s peak body at the end of the year.

A global recruitment drive will be undertaken to find his replacement.

Mr Macfarlane said the QRC was in “very good shape, supported by a strong policy team and board”.

He staunchly led the QRC’s campaign against increased coalmining royalties introduced by the state government last year.

Mr Macfarlane said it has been a privilege to lead Queensland’s resources sector during an “incredibly challenging and dynamic time in the industry’s history”.

“The resources sector is more important to Queensland than ever before,” he said.

“It is the basis of Queensland’s economic prosperity, ongoing jobs and our future success, and it’s worth standing up for.”

QRC president Brent Gunther paid tribute to Mr Macfarlane, saying the board and QRC members offered their sincere thanks to him for his strong advocacy on behalf of Queensland’s resources sector.

Mr Gunther said the QRC board would immediately launch a global search for a new chief executive.

Mr Macfarlane will continue in his role until a successor to ease the transition to new leadership of the QRC.

Prior to his time at QRC he was federal LNP member for the Toowoomba-based seat of Groom and a minister in the Howard and Abbott governments.