Wilson said the resources boom was a magnet for jobs and job security, and had been backed by a $300 million government investment in clean coal technology projects.

“By investing in our billion dollar coal industry, we’re investing in the workers at the coal face,” Wilson said.

“Sales revenue in the coal industry has reached an all-time record high. In 2005-06, sales revenue reached an all-time record of more than $17 billion, over $6 billion more than the previous year.”

Wilson said the average price of coal this year had increased by more than $44 a tonne, to over $125/t.

Total coal sales including the domestic market have reached almost 170 million tonnes.

Metallurgical coals, used in the world’s iron and steel industry, again dominated exports.

“Japan continued as our largest customer, taking more than 54Mt for the year. Other significant customers included Korea, India, Europe, China, South America and Taiwan,” Wilson said.

In 2005-06, the state received more than $1.1 billion in royalties from the coal industry, around 80% of the $1.45 billion in total royalties received.

“Jobs in the Queensland coal industry have also grown. More than 18,600 people were employed in the industry at the end of June last year, around 2800 more than last year,” Wilson said.

The minister said coal exports were expected to grow even more this year, with seven new projects kicking off production.

“Last month, Rio Tinto and its joint venture partners committed to the immediate development of the $950 million Clermont coal mine,” Wilson said.

“All this export and development activity has had a tremendous impact on our economy. And that’s why we all need to stand up and support this vital industry.”