MINES BRING GOLD

QUEENSLAND’S r esources sector injected $ 846 million into Townsville’s economy in 2016- 17 while supporting 5593 full- time jobs.

The Queensland Resources Council will today release its eighth economic contribution report, which reveals the sector has contributed significantly to the North.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the figures were in line with 2015- 16, which reflected Townsville was more reliant on base metals, such as hard rock mining.

“Townsville is still waiting for the development that will come from Adani,” he said.

“That’s the thing that will kick it along.”

Mr Macfarlane said with the election campaign about to enter its final week, the independent report was a timely reminder of the importance of the resources sector to the local economy.

“Spending benefited 809 local businesses, while resources companies made voluntary contributions to 29 local community organisations and charities in Townsville, which in turn helped them to provide vital services,” he said.

“Townsville and particularly the port have long been a service and supply hub for Queensland’s northwest minerals province.

“The growth of Townsville as a hub for fly- in, fly- out workers across Queensland and into our Pacific neighbours has allowed more resource workers to enjoy Townsville’s unparalleled quality of life while working in the resources sector.”

The resources sector contributed $ 931 million into the northern region, including the Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and Townsville, supporting 6265 jobs.

Townsville Enterprise chief executive officer Patricia O’Callaghan said the mining and resources sector was core to the region’s economic and social fabric.

“However investment and reinvestment by the State Government into critical enabling infrastructure is fundamental to the continued contribution of the resource sector to the Townsville and North Queensland economies,” she said.

“This includes the Mount Isa to Townsville rail line and the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor.

“It’s encouraging to see MMG’s Dugald River Mine and Adani’s Carmichael Project sourcing a FIFO workforce from Townsville – this is just the beginning of the potential opportunities the resources industry is offering our region.”