Media Centre
16/07/09Bligh welcomes new BHP Billiton corporate office and more jobs
Premier Anna Bligh tonight welcomed BHP Billiton's decision to shift 40 employees to Queensland as part of its new Metallurgical Coal world head office.
"Seventy people will be employed in this new office and more than 40 of them have transferred from other states," said Ms Bligh in officially opening the Waterfront Place corporate office.
The office was previously based in Melbourne.
"The shift is a welcome recognition of how BHP Billiton views Queensland and where we stand in its future.
"I extend a warm welcome to staff who've relocated to Queensland and hope you enjoy living in Brisbane as much as I do," she said.
"Queensland has become home to a number of corporate headquarters, attracted here by the strong support shown by my Government, not to mention the climate and lifestyle benefits.
"BHP Billiton is a most important corporate citizen here in Queensland and has been for more than 25 years since it bought coal mines from Utah.
"This new metallurgical coal corporate office commitment reinforces that position.
"The Queensland economy has come through a difficult six months with our key markets significantly impacted by the global downturn, but it is hoped improved prospects are starting to emerge.
"Prospects in China have certainly improved and it has emerged as a more significant coal market, while India has also stayed relatively strong.
"In the case of China, bamboo shoots one might say, accompanied elsewhere hopefully by the widely referenced early green shoots," she said.
BHP Billiton's Metallurgical Coal business includes BMA's (BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance) operations in Queensland together with those of BHP Mitsui Coal Pty Ltd (BMC), which together produce more than 50 million tonnes of coal annually.
BMA manages Bowen Basin coal mines - Blackwater, Broadmeadow, Goonyella Riverside, Peak Downs, Saraji, Norwich Park and Gregory Crinum - and the Hay Point coal export terminal near Mackay. In addition, BMA manages two mines - Poitrel and South Walker Creek - on behalf of BHP Mitsui Coal Pty Ltd.
Media contact: Premier's Office 07 3224 4500
Last Updated 03 November 2009
Other languages