Queensland’s Resources Sector: 3,500 New Jobs in Coal and Gas by 2029

Queensland’s resources and energy sector is set for a period of growth, with 3,527 new jobs forecasted by 2029, driven by 16 major projects. According to the Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast (2024-2029) by AREEA, these projects will inject $13.2 billion into the state’s economy, with coal and gas leading the way. While this growth represents a slowdown compared to previous years, Queensland remains a key player in Australia’s resources landscape, particularly in the coal sector.

Despite recent challenges, such as market volatility and global shifts toward cleaner energy, Queensland’s resources sector continues to offer substantial employment opportunities, particularly for those with skills in mining operations, trades, and engineering.

Coal: The Cornerstone of Queensland’s Growth

Coal remains the backbone of Queensland’s resources industry, with six major coal projects expected to create nearly 2,000 new jobs by 2029. Key projects driving this demand include Winchester South, Hillalong, and Centurian’s reactivation, which are set to require substantial workforces over the next few years.

  • Winchester South: Expected to come online by 2029, this coking coal project will create 450 jobs, supporting the growing demand for steel-making materials.
  • Hillalong: Set to begin production in 2026, this thermal and coking coal project will require 436 workers, providing much-needed employment in regional areas.
  • Centurian Coal Mine: A reactivation project, Centurian is expected to bring back 500 jobs by 2026, further bolstering Queensland’s coal workforce.

Gas and LNG: Sustaining Workforce Growth in Queensland’s Energy Sector

Queensland’s gas sector continues to be a key driver of workforce demand, with three major CSG/LNG projects forecast to generate 200 new jobs by 2026. These projects are smaller in scale compared to coal, but they play a vital role in sustaining the state’s energy production and export capacity.

The most significant gas project is Arrow Energy’s Surat Gas Project, which promises to deliver 200 long-term jobs as it comes online by 2026. The gas and LNG industries are expected to remain stable, with Queensland positioned as a leading exporter of LNG to international markets, particularly in Asia.

Copper and Critical Minerals: Emerging Opportunities

Queensland has several emerging projects in copper, phosphate, and critical minerals, which together are expected to generate 1,380 jobs over the forecast period.

  • Eva Copper Project: Set to begin production in 2025, this project will create 280 jobs, contributing to Queensland’s growing copper industry, which is essential for electrification and renewable energy technologies.
  • North West Phosphate Project: This project, scheduled to start in 2025, will require 250 workers, supplying vital materials for agriculture and other industries.
  • Saint Elmo Vanadium Project: Expected to come online in 2024, the vanadium project will add 150 jobs, contributing to the development of energy storage technologies through vanadium batteries.

Workforce Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles

Despite the positive outlook, Queensland’s resources sector faces several challenges. In recent years, workforce demand has slowed compared to earlier forecasts. In 2022, AREEA projected 5,560 new jobs for Queensland’s resources projects, but this year’s forecast is significantly lower at 3,527 new jobs.

One of the major factors affecting this slowdown is the 2022 coal royalty hikes implemented by the Queensland government, which have created uncertainty among investors. The industry has been vocal about the detrimental impact of these changes, and many companies are cautious about new investments in the state’s coal sector. As a result, the pipeline of new projects has shrunk, leading to fewer job opportunities compared to previous years.

Skills in Demand: Mining, Trades, and Technical Roles

To meet the demands of these projects, Queensland will require a range of skilled workers across various occupations. The Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast highlights several key areas of demand:

  • Mining Operators: Nearly 1,360 plant operators will be needed across coal and other mining projects.
  • Heavy Diesel Fitters: The demand for this role remains high, with 439 new jobs forecasted.
  • Trades: Electrical and maintenance trades will require 180 new workers to support both mining and energy projects.
  • Engineers and Geologists: The state will also need 659 engineers, geologists, and technical specialists to support the operation of new projects.
  • Supervisors and Management: Leadership roles, including site managers and supervisors, will account for 659 jobs over the forecast period.

The Future of Queensland’s Resources and Energy Sector

Despite the challenges posed by global market shifts and regulatory changes, Queensland’s resources and energy sector remains a crucial part of the state’s economy. The forecasted 3,527 new jobs indicate steady, if slower, growth, with coal continuing to drive workforce demand. However, the diversification into copper, critical minerals, and gas ensures that Queensland’s resources sector remains adaptable to future global demands.

In the coming years, Queensland’s resources sector will remain a cornerstone of the state’s economy, offering opportunities for growth, innovation, and investment, despite the challenges ahead.

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