The Queensland government has announced plans to tap into the state’s lucrative and under-developed uranium mining sector – generating thousands of job opportunities as a result.
Speaking today (October 21), premier Campbell Newman said an implementation committee will be convened to oversee the re-establishment of uranium mining in the Sunshine State.
The revival of uranium mining will deliver significant fiscal benefits to the state, generating more jobs in Queensland, as well as strengthening the local economy.
“The prime minister Julia Gillard has just been in India selling the benefits of Australian-produced uranium to India, prompting many in the community to ask about the industry’s potential in Queensland,” Mr Newman explained.
“It’s been 30 years since there was uranium mining in this state, and in that time Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia have carved out successful uranium industries that deliver jobs and prosperity to their regions.”
Uranium mining in Queensland, which stopped in 1982, is said to be a $10 billion industry, with the potential to accelerate the state’s economic growth and support the employment of thousands.
State minister for natural resources and mines Andrew Cripps said nuclear energy production and nuclear waste disposal plants will not be included in the recommencement of uranium mining.
