CQU is helping to deepen Rockhampton's resource operations servicing sector through its role as co-presenter of the Queensland Resources Expo (QREX), from May 23-26.

That is according to Event Director Rick Palmer who said the possibility of businesses servicing resource operations in Central Queensland locating themselves in Rockhampton will be realistically assessed.

CQU is a co-presenter of QREX

Mr Palmer said QREX also aimed to develop the event, which will be held each 2 years, into an expo with a similar stature to Rockhampton's world renowned beef expo, but for the resources sector.

"Some trade expo exhibitors which service mining, particularly coal mining, power and water production and light metal processing, are taking part in QREX for the express purpose of gauging whether Rockhampton and district is a suitable place in which to base their Central Queensland operations," he said.

"Other business people will take part in the expo, and particularly the trade fair, to ensure they understand availability of industrial land and the impacts of zoning under the relevant town plan.

"Potential purchasers will be able to discuss the zoning of land with the relevant local authority planners as part of the Rockhampton Regional Showcase being organized by Rockhampton Regional Development."

Mr Palmer said the staging of QREX is likely to result in a significant stimulus to the development of industries servicing the resources sector from Rockhampton and district.

CQU is a co-presenter of QREX along with Rockhampton City Council, the Queensland Resources Council and Rockhampton Tourist & Business Information.

The expo will feature a range of integrated activities relating to mining, minerals processing and energy generation industries including:

• A one-day international conference
• Industry tours to sites such as Bowen Basin mines, power plants, minerals processing plants in Rockhampton and Gladstone, and manufacturing and service plants in both cities
• Seminars, workshops and training for industry participants
• Resources' familiarisation activities for primary, secondary and tertiary students and women
• Gala industry breakfast
• Structured networking for resource operators and those involved in the supply chain
• Industry skills competitions
• Regional celebration and social activities including a State of Origin function with Choppy

QREX will also include a trade expo which is being organised by Trade Show Organisers and should include more than 250 businesses providing goods and services to the Queensland resource industries.

The expo will provide a forum at which potential users of Queensland's resources services can make contact with potential resource suppliers and service providers.

It will also include an international reception centre, specifically to facilitate trade in commodities in addition to services tailored to the resource industries.

Conference topics and tours will focus on industry challenges, including the implementation of clean coal technologies, both in Australia and possibly in those countries with which we trade in resources and their supporting technologies.

The Educate and Inspire Centre will help provide information to students and other key stakeholders about the ways in which the resource industries operate to encourage them to consider a career in the resource industries.

The centre will also develop and generate a greater understanding of the role played by resource industries among Australians generally.

(Details are at: http://www.qrex.com.au/ )