Qld politics: David Janetzki defends rejection of Bundaberg coalmine

Treasurer David Janetzki has defended a decision to block a controversial coal project in Queensland, arguing it does not contradict the state government’s pro-resources stance. POLL

David Janetzki addresses a Resources Media Club lunch on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki has defended a decision to block a controversial coal exploration project in one of Queensland’s prime food bowls, arguing it does not contradict the state government’s pro-resources stance.

At a Resources Media Club lunch on Tuesday, Mr Janetzki acknowledged how much the state relied on investment in mining paying for key Queensland infrastructure likes roads and hospitals.

Asked if Attorney-General Deb Frecklington’s knockback of Perth-based Fox Resources’ long-running application for a mine north of Bundaberg was at odds with the mantra Queensland was open for business, he said the government would back the industry by improving productivity and hastening approval processes so miners were not left in limbo years after applications were submitted.

“What we’ve done is give our clear support for the industry and when the approval processes are gone through and when they meet the requirements, then the projects will progress,” Mr Janetzki said.

“Capital goes where it’s wanted and stays where it’s welcomed, so we want to send clear messages about the way in which applications are considered and determined.”

Ms Frecklington determined late on Monday that Fox Resources’ exploration proposal — first submitted in 2019 — was not in the best interests of the agricultural region, which grows 43 per cent of the country’s macadamias and 21 per cent of its avocados.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington rejected a mine application.

Fox Resources chairman Bruce Garlick said the company would scrutinise the decision and seek legal advice over plans to drill five bore holes and complete technical studies.

He argued the project was in the region’s best interest, given it had one of the highest unemployment rates in Queensland.

“The unprecedented decision to not allow the metallurgical coal resource to be further explored through an MDL will only bolster those who are opposed to any resource development in any part of Queensland,” Mr Garlick said.

At the lunch, Mr Janetzki again rejected calls to abolish the coal royalty tiers established by his Labor predecessor Cameron Dick over the next four years.

He took a swing at mining giant Glencore, as state and federal governments negotiate to keep its Mount Isa copper smelter operational beyond this year — a facility tied to 17,000 jobs.

“Queensland has been good to Glencore, and my hope is that Glencore keeps that front of mind and it’s not just a matter of what happens in Swiss boardrooms, but what matters for Queenslanders,” Mr Janetzki said.

Next week, Mr Janetzki is expected to take a road trip along the 1100km CopperString transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa, which he said would help power the next generation of critical minerals such as vanadium and copper.

Originally published as Qld politics: David Janetzki defends rejection of Bundaberg coalmine