Queensland’s Mining and Resource Sector continues to boom with the state now attracting some of Australia’s top resource roles.

John Davidson and Associates, Managing Director, John Davidson said Queensland was competing with Western Australia to be the country’s fastest growth state with more than 50,000 people working directly within the sector.

"Job opportunities with improved work and lifestyle benefits are enjoying unprecedented growth in Queensland.” Mr Davidson said.

“There are now more than 50-60 quality new professional roles available almost every week and the industry is continuing to show confidence in future job growth,” he said.

"Currently there is a high demand for people in mining, geology, metallurgy and engineering and Queensland employers are prepared to be flexible with renumeration to attract the right people to these key roles.”

Mr Davidson said that some senior Queensland appointments were now attracting renumeration packages well above the sector average.

“An experienced, mining engineer is now paid at least 50 percent more than he/she was paid a couple of years ago. This is a great incentive for global mining professionals to work and live in Queensland,” he said.

Apart from money, other key benefits attracting people to the state include the Queensland lifestyle and the increased flexibility of Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) arrangements with employers.

“From a lifestyle perspective, commute rosters have become a more attractive option, enabling employees to spend longer periods at home with their families.

“Mining families are moving from other parts of Australia to Queensland’s regional city centers, such as Townsville and Mackay.

“Residents along the coastline can enjoy a sea change lifestyle, while taking advantage of the more attractive benefits and incentives available in the workplace.”

Mr Davidson said in addition to the variety of remuneration and lifestyle options offered by central and western Queensland mines, there was an increased trend for Australian professionals to take up FIFO offshore opportunities in Papua New Guinea, Africa, China, Indonesia, Central Asia, South America and more for up to eight-week periods.

Top jobs in demand for 2008 include:

• Mining and geotechincal engineers
• Metallurgists
• Geologists
• Surveyors
• EPCM project engineers/managers
• Power generation and reticulation operatives
• Skilled tradespeople
• Underground miners
• Skilled plant operators

Media contact: Bev Cosgrove 3120 0900 or Sue Tierney 0406 374 469