“Despite vigorous cost cutting, 25% of the coal currently produced in Queensland is being done so at a loss, including half of all thermal coal production,” said QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche. “Some of these mines are only staying open because production is a more palatable option than closing operations locked into transport costs levied on a take-or-pay basis.

“However, with 1 out of every 10 tons of coal currently produced in Queensland in the red to the tune of more than $14, some mines are at extreme risk of shutdown,” Roche said. “If that happens, Queensland could lose up to $1.8 billion in spending with more than 22,000 jobs in the line of fire.”

The QRC submission said that from a public interest perspective, increasing state-based taxes such as royalties is the least desirable option for the state government to return its budget to surplus and retire debt. “Given the government’s need for significant and prompt revenue flows to stabilize debt levels and lower state borrowing costs, the QRC supports the government’s proposal for selected sale or leasing of assets, subject to appropriate regulatory and commercial safeguards being discussed with industry and implemented prior to divestment,” Roche said.