I welcome the release of the Resources 2030 Taskforce Report, which puts resources-rich Tasmania as a key beneficiary of the industry’s strategic growth plan.
Tasmania is well placed to benefit from South-east Asia’s huge growth in demand for our mineral resources.
Tasmania will also gain from the initiative to develop a more coordinated national curriculum for earth sciences and resources sector qualifications at the tertiary and vocational education levels.
I congratulate Federal Minister for Resources Matt Canavan MP and Taskforce Chair Andrew Cripps for this far-thinking report to drive long-term investment across the country.
Tasmanian mineral exploration expenditure was up 43 per cent over a year to the June quarter, indicating industry confidence in Tasmania’s mineral resources.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is supporting this exploration boom with a $2m program to provide 50/50 funding support for approved exploration projects.
Mining and mineral processing already account for more than 50 per cent of Tasmania’s exports by value.
The Hodgman Liberal Government has an ambitious target to increase new mining ventures by 50 per cent over five years, compared to the previous five-year period which will support hundreds/thousands of Tasmanians jobs .