Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Jeff Seeney, said Queensland’s geological mapping was the worst of any State in Australia according to a survey of international mining companies, and was costing Queensland jobs and investment opportunities.

“The Beattie Government has been asked to spend $38 million over the next 4 years in order to bring the State’s mapping up to speed, however the Government has allocated just $2.3 million towards this important task.

“Out of date geo-scientific data is currently estimated by the industry to be costing Queensland up to $570 million in foregone opportunities,” Mr Seeney said

“This geo-scientific data is crucial in attracting business to Queensland as it saves mining companies valuable time and money.

“But at the rate the government is funding this work, the maps will not even be complete by 2012 Conference, and it will be 2020 before they are completed to industry standards.”