Exports from Queensland broke a new monthly record, banking more than $8 billion in June thanks to another strong quarter from resource exports.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the latest ABS trade data revealed the State’s exports for the 12 months to June reached $86.98 billion, with coal and minerals powering up 13 percent.

“Queensland’s resources sector is yet again doing the heavy lifting when it comes to exports accounting for $71 billion (new record) or 81.3 per cent of the State’s total export earnings,” he said.

“Importantly, that’s more jobs for Queenslanders and more royalty taxes to spend on building new hospitals, schools and roads.

“Queensland has what the world needs. With stable policy settings, the resources sector can continue to grow and in doing so grow the State’s economy. “

Mr Macfarlane described Queensland as a powerhouse – exporting more than Victoria and New South Wales combined in the past 12 months.

Mr Macfarlane said it was important Queensland continued to play to its strengths with a long-term plan for new investments and new export markets. He said QRC welcomed the appointment of senior public servant Paul Martyn as the new chief executive officer of Trade and Investment Queensland.