Premier Campbell Newman and Small Business Minister Jann Stuckey launched a buy local campaign that will be supported by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.

“We are asking members of communities across the state to do what they can to help local businesses by shopping locally where possible,” he said.

“Small business is the backbone of Queensland’s four-pillar economy, underpinning the vital sectors of tourism, agriculture, mining and construction.”

Stuckey said when people shopped local, their money stayed local.

“In turn, small businesses supports the community through a multiplier effect, with one dollar spent at a local business returning five times that amount through employee wages, rates and the purchase of materials and supplies,” Stuckey said.

There are almost 412,000 small businesses in Queensland, accounting for 96% of all businesses in the state.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said it was in the state and nation’s long-term interest to support flexible and outcomes-based measures to “join the dots” between the resources sector and local suppliers.

“The minerals and energy sector is recognised as underpinning the Queensland economy by providing more than 70,000 direct jobs, and through $28 billion in local purchases, more than 400,000 indirect jobs,” Roche said.

“However, we’re not resting on our laurels. This code is the right vehicle to pursue the twin goals of facilitating a high level of Queensland content in Queensland resource projects, while maintaining and enhancing the sector’s competitiveness in increasingly tough global markets.

“The code presents enhanced opportunities for local industry participation in major projects, allowing resource companies to tailor their approach, based on their individual circumstances.

“It replaces and improves upon the 'tick-a-box' regulatory approach embraced by both the previous state government and current federal government using a system built on giving local businesses a 'full, fair and reasonable' opportunity to be a supplier to resource projects in Queensland.”

Roche said the code adopted a strong “shared responsibility” framework, with the QRC, government, minerals and energy producers and local suppliers working together to deliver on the principle of “full, fair and reasonable” opportunity.