There are close to 1400 Queensland job vacancies in mining, resources and energy on the Seek employment website.

 

The coal and mining sector continues to drive economic opportunities both in the regions and the larger cities, according to Queensland Resources Council CEO Ian Macfarlane.

 

"If we are to maintain this momentum and increase royalties the sector needs people operating the machinery, loading the ships and working with communities," he said.

 

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data revealed the sector was creating a job every hour or 8400 new jobs over the past 12 months.

 

"Jobs in the resources sector are good jobs," Macfarlane said. 

 

"Resource jobs are well-paid jobs. The mining industry has by far the highest average weekly full-time adult earnings of any industry at $2659 - or more than $138,000 per annum," Macfarlane said.

 

He said the Queensland government had committed to maintaining an unemployment rate with a "five in front of it". 

 

"The resources sector shares the government's ambition, and we are ready, willing and able to deliver," Macfarlane said. 

 

QRC's March quarter State of the Sector report found jobs growth in the coal, minerals, petroleum and gas industries were very strong with a survey of CEOs of QRC member companies finding 52% would increase their Queensland workforce over the next 12 months, with 13% looking to increase employment "substantially". 

 

Only 9% of CEOs surveyed said they planned to reduce staff over the next 12 months, with none of the CEOs expecting a substantial decrease.