Summary: Mining plays a small role in the economy of the Southern Highlands. The major employing industries are service industries, manufacturing and construction. While tourism is not separately counted in most statistical publications, the strong employment numbers in retail, accommodation, food and transport industry categories suggest it plays a strong role. Agriculture is a relatively...

This paper disputes claims that the development of coal mines in Queensland’s Galilee Basin will create 27,000 jobs. Overview In recent media statements senior Queensland Government members have claimed that development of coal mines in Queensland’s Galilee Basin will create 27,000 jobs. No source for this figure is provided in the media statements and no...

This briefing note argues that, despite the Queensland Treasurer calling for cost benefit analysis to be done for all major government projects, there has been no economic assessment for the Abbot Point expansion proposals. Key points Environmental risks of Abbot Point port expansion have been well publicised, but economic costs to Queensland taxpayers have not...

This paper argues that coal companies are not, in general, major contributors to energy poverty alleviation efforts. Overview The term "energy poverty" refers to people who do not have access to electricity and clean cooking facilities. Globally, 1.3 billion people do not have access to electricity in their houses and 2.6 billion people cook by...

Introduction: Native vegetation and regulations relating to its management have a minimal economic effect on agriculture in New South Wales (NSW). The state produces between $10 and $16 billion in agricultural output per year, dependent largely on rainfall and commodity prices. When rainfall is good and commodity prices are high, output is high. Less rainfall...