Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge the importance of Minerals Week here in Canberra, a time when we recognise one of the foundational pillars of our national economy and, in particular, the immense contribution of the coal industry to communities like those I represent in Central Queensland. In my electorate, mining isn't an abstract concept; it's a way of life. It's the jobs that put food on the table, the apprenticeships that give our young people a future and the small businesses that thrive because of the strength of our resources sector.

Coal in particular remains a cornerstone of that strength. Central Queensland is home to some of the highest quality metallurgical coal in the world, essential for steelmaking, for infrastructure and for development not just here in Australia but across the globe. Every hospital built, every bridge constructed, every piece of critical infrastructure relies on the very product our regions proudly supply.

While there are many conversations about the future of energy, we must remain grounded in reality. Global demand for coal, especially metallurgical coal, remains strong. Our trading partners continue to rely on it, and Australia is uniquely positioned to provide it responsibly, efficiently and sustainably.

The scale of this contribution is clear. In the Fitzroy region alone, the resources sector delivers $1.7 billion in wages, supports nearly 17,000 direct jobs and contributes $3.4 billion in spending across more than 2,500 local businesses and over 500 community organisations. In total, it underpins $10.6 billion in regional economic activity and supports more than 56,000 jobs.

What sets our industry apart is not just the resource itself but the people behind it. The coal industry in Central Queensland supports tens of thousands of jobs directly and indirectly. These are not just numbers. These are families, communities and entire towns where livelihoods depend on a strong and stable resources sector. Moreover, the economic benefits extend far beyond regional areas. Royalties from coalmining help fund essential services right across our state schools, hospitals and roads, benefiting every Queenslander.

During Minerals Week it's also important to recognise the industry's ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Companies are investing in new technologies to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and ensure that mining operations coexist with environmental stewardship. We should be backing these efforts, not undermining them, because, when we support our coal industry, we are supporting Australian jobs, Australian exports and Australia's economic resilience.

Central Queensland has long powered this nation and continues to play a vital role in powering the world. Let us use Minerals Week not just as a moment of recognition but as a call to stand firmly behind an industry that delivers so much for so many.