The LNP Opposition has labelled the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s latest taskforce, this time for the North West Minerals Province (NWMP), a “consolation prize” for the region.

Shadow State Development and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said the announcement was yet another holding pattern decision by a clueless government with no positive plans or policies.

“This Taskforce – the 74th review, inquiry or taskforce established under Labor – continues the endless indecision and inertia which has characterised the Palaszczuk Government,” Mr Cripps said.

“One of the first things Labor did was make a politically driven decision to reinstate the ban on uranium mining, curtailing new opportunities for investment in the NWMP.

“The Palaszczuk Government also undertook an unnecessary and arbitrary review of the process to appoint Glencore as the preferred proponent for the Aurukun Bauxite project.

“These backwards thinking decisions and policies are holding Queensland back.”

Mr Cripps said the announcement wasn’t a particularly novel idea from Labor, with investment and development plans being previously prepared for the NWMP on several occasions.

“This is consolation prize for Mount Isa MP Robbie Katter and Mount Isa Mayor,Tony McGrady, for the lack of progress being made and the fall in resources sector confidence under Labor,” he said.

“Recent announcements claimed by the Palaszczuk Government, such as the updated Environmental Licence for Glencore and the new gas pipeline, are not Labor’s work.

“The proposal for the gas pipeline from the Northern Territory has been around for years and the new arrangements for Mount Isa Mines was arranged by the former LNP Government.”

Mr Cripps said he hoped the Taskforce would deliver a comprehensive report and not be bound by restrictive terms of reference that didn’t suit Labor’s fragile political circumstances.