Exploration industry recognised in road to COVID-19 recovery
The Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) is pleased to see a number of relief measures introduced today by the Palaszczuk Government, to assist Queensland’s exploration industry through difficulties faced as a result of COVID-19.
Exploration relief measures announced on 6 May 2020 by Dr Anthony Lynham, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy include:
- a 12-month waiver of rent on exploration land due between 1 April and 1 September;
- a freeze on fees and charges until 1 July 2021;
- releasing almost 7000 square kilometres of land for gas and mineral exploration later this month;
- bringing forward $2.8 million in grant funds for innovative exploration in the North West Minerals Province.
QEC Chair Kim Wainwright said the announcement is welcome news to an industry which last month predicted a minimum 25% decline in expenditure over the next three months due to the pandemic.
“The exploration industry is always the first to suffer in times of economic downturn. This package is a lifeline to an industry that was facing collapse amid the COVID-19 crisis,” Ms Wainwright said.
“It’s very pleasing to see the Queensland Government has recognised the significance of the exploration industry as part of the wider, essential resources sector, and its role towards Queensland’s economic recovery.”
“We worked alongside the QRC to ensure exploration companies are provided the tools and support needed to keep exploring, underpinning the supply of new discoveries of gas, copper, coal, and tin for the future. The response from the Queensland Government is a solid step forward.”
Queensland Government link: Temporary relief package for the exploration sector
