Colin Boyce (Flynn, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

While many criticise and attack the coal and resource sector, I would like to draw attention to the fact sheet prepared by the Central Highlands Development Corporation. The Central Highlands is the heart of the Bowen Basin and the economic engine room of my electorate of Flynn in Queensland. Australia's largest coal reserve and 12 operating mines are in the Central Highlands. The region produces more than 62 million tonnes of coal per annum and represents 28 per cent of Queensland's total coal production.

Mining is the largest employer in the Central Highlands, with a direct workforce of over 6,000 people. Fifty-five per cent of those workers are non-residents, commuting by road and air from Rockhampton, Mackay and South-East Queensland. Ninety per cent of non-resident workers stay in accommodation villages such as caravan parks, hotels and motels. For the local Central Highlands economy, over $790 million is spent on local goods and services, which is estimated to be 30 per cent of the total spend. Astonishingly, the Central Highlands has an output of $9.4 billion. These export dollars are helping pay for our schools, our roads and our emergency services and hospitals. To anyone in this House who criticises one of our biggest exporters: I welcome you to the Central Highlands. Come and meet the workers who are paying Australia's bills. These people are keeping the lights on, and these people are paying our salaries.