Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said the workshop aimed to help grow resources as one of Queensland’s four economic pillars.

“The $37.9 billion sector contributes one in every four dollars to the state’s economic activity and supports one in every five jobs, so it’s vital we have a strong, competitive and agile industry,” he said.

“This forum in Roma today ensures we have a better understanding of regional issues and opportunities for the sector in the Surat Basin.

“South West Queensland is the birthplace of the Australian oil and gas industries and has more than 4000km of pipelines connecting gas fields to markets and processing facilities in Southeast Queensland, Gladstone and Mt Isa.”

Cripps said the resources sector contributed significantly to the economy in the Surat Basin.

“The resources sector in the Southwest Queensland region employs more than 1360 full-time people and contributes $2.3 billion into the state’s economy, with around $2 billion invested directly into local communities,” he said.

“Direct spend supports an additional 23,250 local jobs and invests a further $2 billion into regional economies through local purchases.

“Production of both coal and CSG in the Surat Basin alone is expected to increase ten-fold by 2031 – doubling gross regional product and contributing $9.3 billion and an extra 12,500 jobs to the Surat Basin.

“This initiative will drive economic growth and will create jobs, so it is important we hear from our local resource companies, councils, businesses, training organisations and infrastructure providers.

Resources Q is the first time a state-level strategic visioning and action plan process has been undertaken for resources in Queensland, Cripps said.

“Consultation across the sector and in key resource regions will ensure industry has maximum opportunity to guide the strategic direction for the resources sector,” he said.