Dale Last named Queensland's new Natural Resources and Mines Minister, QRC expresses optimism

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the appointment of Dale Last as Australia's second-largest state Queensland's new Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Minister for Regional and Rural Development.

QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson extended her congratulations to Dale Last on his Cabinet appointment, highlighting the importance of his role in overseeing Queensland's critical resource sector. Hewson noted that the Council looks forward to working with the new Minister to advance sustainable development and ensure that the resources industry continues to contribute to regional growth and economic prosperity.

Janette Hewson, Chief Executive Officer of QRC, stated, "The QRC looks forward to working constructively with Minister Last, whose own electorate includes one of Queensland's major resources regions. In the 2022-23 financial year, our coal, gas, metals and critical minerals generated close to $117 billion for Queensland and supported more than 530,000 jobs."

"There are significant opportunities for Queensland's world-leading resources sector to continue underpinning our state's economic prosperity with the right government policy settings that attract investment in new projects."

"QRC looks forward to meeting with Minister Last to discuss the government's plans to unlock these opportunities for the benefit of all Queenslanders."

Queensland hosts Rio Tinto's extensive bauxite operations, encompassing three Weipa bauxite mines, the Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) refinery, the Yarwun Alumina refinery, and the Boyne Island Aluminium Smelter.

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