If Queensland is to develop the mining industry in the way the state government hopes it will, the state’s rail facilities and ports will need to be drastically developed.
These findings are courtesy of Deloitte, whose recent report on the state of mining and infrastructure nationwide made for alarming reading for ministers – however, the remedy could prove to be good news for apprenticeships in Queensland.
The research firm found that bulk commodity exports in the mining sector are “breaking records”. However, port and railway infrastructures are struggling to handle the demand from overseas.
This news was reported in the state’s north west regional news, as Mount Isa’s mining community – among many others – relies on the efficiency of infrastructure to make the most out of its export potential.
An additional 140 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of coal and iron ore is expected to benefit the nation’s export divisions, Deloitte found in its research, though port facilities are only set to improve to handle an extra 110 Mtpa.
“That suggests that a number of projects in the planning phase will need to go ahead to prevent bottlenecks occurring,” Deloitte explained in its report.
More specialists needed
As a result of this report, and with Queensland’s leaders eager to support the mining industry and the economic benefits the sector brings, there is likely to be an direct approach to meet mining volumes with port and rail developments.
Both road and rail developments, to handle more freight traffic, can develop new prospects for jobs and apprenticeships in Mount Isa, as well as many other mining communities.
Meanwhile, coastal export regions such as Townsville will need to provide more employment positions for crane operators, dogmen, riggers and other integral employees to make sure the state is meeting export demands.
Apprentices provide for the future
Deloitte say that the rise in mineral exports is something that will need long-term sustainability if regions are to live up to the full potential of foreign markets.
Deloitte explained the scale of export growth this quarter: “The value of projects in the database increased by $39 billion in the September quarter to $914.4 billion.
“That represents a 4.4% increase from the June quarter of 2014, and is 4.7% above the level recorded a year earlier.”
To nurture this economic development, workers will be required in a number of professions. Fortunately, a great way to train and build the next generation of skilled employees is through apprenticeship mentoring and hiring people in traineeship programs.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator.
