Queensland premier David Crisafulli is fulfilling a campaign promise and is expanding the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy to help build a pipeline of resource workers.
The government is delivering $2 million to establish regional hubs in Central and North Queensland over a three-year period. The first regional hub will be based in Mackay at the Resources Centre of Excellence, with Rockhampton to follow in 2026 and Townsville in 2027.
“The Queensland government is proud to work closely with the Queensland Resources Council, through the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, to ensure it has the right people with the right skills for its workforce,” Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said.
“The resources sector is critical to Queensland’s economy and as it continues to grow, we need to make sure we develop the pipeline of talent the industry needs now and into the future. This expansion over three years will see the program reach up to 10,000 additional students and will also transition into primary schools.”
The Academy currently has a network of 100 schools and directly engages with up to 6,000 students each year, increasing awareness and interest in energy and minerals career pathways. The latest funding will add 50 additional schools and engage 4,000 more students annually.
Source: Queensland Government