RESOURCE WINDFALLS MUST BACK REGIONAL QUEENSLAND: WILLCOX OUTLINES COALITION FUND AT QME 2026

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has welcomed thousands of resource sector leaders, contractors, and innovators to Mackay for the 2026 Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME). Held at the Mackay Showgrounds, QME is the largest regional mining event in Australia.

Marking the start of its fourth decade in the region, the 2026 iteration of QME features an expanded 9,000 square metre exhibition floor that sold out months in advance. Over 300 suppliers are showcasing cutting-edge mining equipment, heavy machinery, and technology. The 2026 event also features the highly anticipated QME Mining Pavilion, the Hitachi Construction Machinery Leadership Series, and coincides with the Bowen Basin Mining Club’s Queensland Mining Awards held in Mackay.

Nationally, the mining sector remains the cornerstone of Australia's economic strength, contributing over 10 per cent to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generating more than 57 per cent of the country's total export earnings.

Mr Willcox said hosting QME in Mackay reinforces the Dawson electorate's standing as the industrial engine room driving the nation.

"It is fantastic to welcome QME back to Mackay, bringing together over 300 world-class exhibitors and thousands of delegates to the absolute heart of Queensland's mining sector," Mr Willcox said.

"Mackay is not just a gateway to the Bowen Basin; it is the service, engineering, and technological hub that keeps Australia’s resources moving."

Mr Willcox added that Mining contributes nearly 11 per cent to our national GDP and delivers almost 60 per cent of Australia's export earnings.

“But its true value is felt right here in our local communities," Mr Willcox said.

"From Mackay to Townsville, the resource sector keeps local engineering workshops open, supports family-owned businesses, and puts food on the table for thousands of hard-working regional families.”

Mr Willcox said the Coalition has a policy to back our resource sector and ensure regional communities get their fair share.

"We need to dig and drill to pay down the debt bill, turning our natural resources into long-term strength for future generations," Mr Willcox said.

"Since coming to office, the Labor Government has received almost half a trillion dollars in revenue upgrades, mostly driven by higher resource prices delivered by our miners. Instead of paying down debt and building our nation, Labor has squandered these resource profits with self-indulgent spending.

"The Coalition will establish a Future Generations Fund to ensure resource windfalls are used responsibly. Where resource tax revenues are higher than forecast, we will bank 80 cents in every dollar into the Future Generations Fund.

“The Fund will help pay down Labor’s trillion dollars of debt and invest in nation-building infrastructure.

"Crucially, 25 per cent of all infrastructure flows from the Fund will directly support the regions that fuel, feed, and power our nation.

“This is about basic responsibility to our children and grandchildren: it is about making sure today’s good fortune builds tomorrow’s strength."

QME 2026 will run from Tuesday 21 July to Thursday 23 July at the Mackay Showgrounds.

ENDS

Contact: Amanda Wright | Media & Communications Adviser
P | 07 4944 0662   M | 0455 456 705   E | Amanda.Wright@aph.gov.au