The Queensland government has launched the Queensland Resources Workforce Plan, outlining a roadmap to address acute skill shortages and support the long-term growth of the state’s 81,000-strong resources sector.
The blueprint delivers 29 practical, results-driven actions designed to align vocational skills and training with both traditional mining demands and emerging critical minerals projects across regional Queensland.
To back the rollout, the state government has committed AU$159 million in this year’s Budget to subsidise vocational qualifications utilised across the resources supply chain.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the plan directly targets critical workforce gaps created by years of underinvestment.
“This sector is one of the pillars of Queensland’s economy and as the Crisafulli government continues to unlock resources opportunities, we’re also delivering the workforce needed to make the most of them,” Minister Bates said.
“Our workforce plan is centred on building a pipeline of future workers, boosting the number of women and other under-represented groups in the industry and delivering proper skills and training to support the businesses that support Queensland.”
Several key measures are already underway. These include expanding the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) to engage school students in STEM pathways, alongside dedicated pilot programs, such as the Women in Resources: Empowering Development (WIRED) initiative, designed to increase female participation in site-based roles.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last stated that a resilient regional workforce remains vital to securing the future of Queensland’s coal, gas, and critical minerals industries while supporting the government’s broader manufacturing goals.
Queensland Resources Council CEO Janette Hewson welcomed the blueprint, noting its strong alignment with peak industry attraction and retention strategies.
“Continued investment in proven initiatives such as QMEA, alongside targeted programs such as WIRED, will be critical to attracting more young people, supporting regional participation, retaining skilled workers and expanding career opportunities for women and other under-represented groups,” Hewson said.