BHP, Origin have no plans to return to resources council
BHP and Origin have so far refused to return to the Queensland Resources Council after suspending their memberships during the state election campaign.
BHP's Hay Point coal terminal
The two companies walked out over the QRC’s campaign urging people to put the Greens last on the ballot.
Although the QRC has often involved itself in politics the anti-Green strategy was considered a step too far because it attacked a party rather than a policy.
BHP said its self-suspension from the QRC was indefinite and there was no immediate move to return.
Origin said it had no plans to reinstate its membership.
BHP is Queensland’s biggest coal producer and Origin is a major gas and LNG producer.
QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said he had overwhelming support from members for the strategy, which he considered a success.
The QRC will be heavily involved in policy development during the four-year term of the Palaszczuk Government which is trying to open a new minerals province in the state’s remote north west. It has also backed the CopperString electricity transmission project which will aid the development of the planned north west province.
The New Acland coal mine expansion will also be on the agenda as will any further development of the Galilee Basin.
