PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government and the state’s peak mining body have called for resource communities to get vaccinated.

Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said getting vaccinated was the best form of protection from Covid-19.

“This is about making sure that workers in our resources communities are healthy and protected from Covid, so they’re able to enjoy time with their family and friends when they’re off the mine site,” Stewart said.

“Queensland will open up on December 17 and we want everyone to be protected so we can reunite families. Getting vaccinated is the best way to ensure you and your loved ones are protected, and it’s concerning regions like the Central Highlands, Isaac and Charters Towers have lower vaccination rates.”

“Make no mistake, Covid is a serious disease that can kill or leave you seriously ill in hospital, taking weeks or months to recover. This vaccine push is about protecting our communities, including workers in the resources industry.

“Regional centres are the lifeblood of many Queensland industries like resources, tourism and agriculture; we want to see these towns thrive and stay healthy.

“It’s great to be working with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) to spread this message to our regional communities.”

QRC CEO Ian Macfarlane said low vaccination rates in regional areas were extremely worrying.

“I know it’s not as easy to get vaccinated if you live in a remote area, and for many it might be a long drive, but the opening of Queensland’s border to vaccinated people from hot spots on December 17 means time is running out for people to protect themselves and their communities,” Macfarlane said.

“People who aren’t vaccinated are at higher risk of contracting or passing on Covid-19, and it’s our most vulnerable who pay the heaviest price if they are exposed to the virus.”

Macfarlane noted that regional centres played a critical role in providing the innovation and expertise needed to keep the resources sector operating at a high level, and there are plenty of growth opportunities ahead.

“Our industry knows local suppliers are more likely to understand the high-tech needs of our sector, and that having reliable access to local goods and services can reduce supply chain risks, which has been especially important during the pandemic.

“Working with local suppliers also helps our companies reduce transport costs and fuel consumption, which is better for the environment and adds to the long-term sustainability of resources communities.”

Macfarlane said a draft QRC report due for release next month shows Queensland resources companies are spending more money than ever before on locally supplied goods and services, and much less on international purchases.

“The data is showing QRC member companies spent A$26.7-billion in 2019/20, which equates to four out of every five resources dollars being spent on businesses located in Queensland,” he said.

“That’s almost 20% more than the A$22.4-billion our industry spent with businesses in Queensland in 2018/19.”

By comparison, the QRC's latest data shows resources companies spent considerably less on internationally-sourced goods and services in 2019/20.

“It looks like our sector spent A$600-million less on international goods and services in 2019/20 compared with the previous year, falling from A$1.1-billion to A$500-million,” Macfarlane said.

“This is a strong improvement, and a clear sign Queensland’s resources supply chain is maturing, which comes as no surprise to our CEOs. Our sector’s focus is on building the capabilities of local supply chains to deliver greater opportunities for Queensland suppliers than ever before, with more growth to come,” he said.

“We want local suppliers to have a fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in our sector’s growth and prosperity, because that’s what’s best for our businesses, is best for resources communities and is best for Queensland.”