The Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) has today emphasised the need for balance in the ongoing debate around coal royalties, highlighting that industry, government, and community must work together to ensure certainty for the resources sector and the regional economies it underpins.

TGW3 Chief Executive Officer, Ms Kylie Porter, said BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) announcement regarding operational changes at the Saraji Mine Complex demonstrates the importance of sustainable policy settings and collaborative decision-making. The changes include the placement of Saraji South into care and maintenance from November 2025, the reduction of approximately 750 roles across Queensland, and a review of the FutureFit Academy in Mackay.

“The Greater Whitsunday region is home to 95,000 skilled and future-ready workers,” Ms Porter said.
“The resources industry plays a critical role in underpinning our regional economy and communities.

“When policy settings or business decisions shift, the impacts flow directly to workers, small businesses, and families across our region of more than 190,000 people.”

Ms Porter said GW3 believes there is an opportunity to find common ground between industry and government.

“I believe we can achieve the AND – a royalty system that delivers benefits for all Queenslanders AND supports long-term certainty for the industry and the communities that depend on it,” she said. 

“I believe we can achieve the AND – a royalty system that delivers benefits for all Queenslanders AND supports long-term certainty for the industry and the communities that depend on it,”

– Ms Kylie Porter.

“This is not about one side winning over another. We’re advocating for a balanced approach that supports long-term prosperity and recognises that the future of our communities and economy depends on that balance.”

BMA remains the largest private sector employer in central Queensland and in FY2025 contributed more than $6.4 billion to suppliers.

 GW3 said that sustaining such economic contributions requires a fair and stable environment that encourages ongoing investment, workforce development, and community resilience.

“The Greater Whitsunday region will continue to play an important role in powering the Queensland and national economy,” Ms Porter said.

“ We recognise the Queensland Government’s commitment to regional development and believe that ongoing dialogue between government, industry and communities is essential to shaping a sustainable future for all,” Ms Porter said