More than $42 million will be invested into Queensland’s resources sector through exploration grants, initiatives and mine rehabilitation programs, as part of the 2021-22 Queensland Budget.
Minister for Resources, the Hon. Scott Stewart said the budget will invest $15.5 million to address rehabilitation of abandoned mines in Queensland. In addition, explorers will get support to discover new economy minerals that are crucial for renewable technology such as electric vehicles and batteries.
“We will do this with $2.5 million towards Collaborative Exploration Initiative grants and a further $2.2 million to facilitate the development and expansion of the New Economy Minerals Industry.”
Minister Stewart said the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows exploration increased by 22.5 per cent to $705 million in 12 months.
“Supporting the exploration industry is important for finding new deposits and developing potential new projects, which means more royalties, more exports and more jobs for Queenslanders.”
In 2021-22, another $11 million will be invested to continue strategic programs that improve and restore rangelands, soil and vegetation catchments through the Queensland Natural Resources Investment Program.
Also, as part of the Natural Resources Investment Program, a further $500,000 will explore ways to improve partnerships and innovative ways to deliver grant programs.
Minister Stewart said his department’s capital investment program will support the management of disclaimed mine sites and maintenance of Queensland’s stock route network.
“It also includes investment in digital solutions to support the vast datasets used to stimulate economic development in Queensland and other critical property, plant and equipment assets to support service delivery requirements,” he said.
The Minister said the 2021-22 budget will also deliver $3.2 million in land rent rebates to support landholders who are still struggling with drought.
“Our drought-affected farmers need all the help they can get, and these rebates will help ease some of the pressure as we wait for more rain.”
“In addition to this rebate, drought-declared landholders will be granted a hardship deferral for required rent payments.”