The pitfalls of taking coal for granted

Mick Crowe, Chief Operating Officer, Bravus Mining and Resources

Taking things for granted is a mistake we all often make. For our great state of Queensland, the cost of taking coal mining for granted is much higher than a simple opportunity missed.

As I reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, one of my biggest hopes is that the new Crisafulli state government - many of its Members and Ministers elected by coal mining communities - will take the opportunity to secure Queenslanders’ economic future by embracing coal mining so it can continue to provide the jobs and income that underwrite the Queensland we all love.

For far too long, “there is no future in coal” has been the prevailing narrative from our community leaders and decision-makers, when the facts show that reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

The fact is there will be a market for Queensland’s abundant coal resources for decades to come.

The fact is coal can work in tandem with renewables and is fundamental to providing the baseload power the developing world needs as it industrialises. Its citizens seek a modern lifestyle with reliable energy for better health, education, and employment. For coal to play its part in reducing emissions, we must use high-quality Australian coal and avoid forcing developing nations to use low-quality local coal.

And the fact is Queenslanders’ futures can be bright on the back of this tide of global growth, too. A vibrant Queensland export coal sector can continue to be a world leader in innovation, safety standards, and environmental management. It can continue to support our high standard of living here at home while at the same time helping to lift the poorest people in nations like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines out of poverty.

The hard question is: will Queensland have coal mines to reap these benefits in the future?

Tens of thousands of Queenslanders work in coal mining. Most of them wear hi-vis, but others, like the lawyers, accountants, and information technology professionals based in a CBD office tower, are just as much miners as the rest of us.

They are proud of what they do and what coal mining provides for their family, friends, community, and state. They want to see their leaders reflect that pride and see public policy that nurtures and promotes their industry so that through it, our state can thrive for another 40 years and beyond.

Now’s the time for Queensland to chart a new course - to stand up and embrace our world-class coal mining industry before we turn around one day and it is no longer there, and every Queenslander is the poorer for it.