The Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Michael Roche, has announced his intention to step down in 2016.

Mr Roche joined the QRC as Chief Executive in July 2005, after a distinguished career in the government and private sectors. He said now was the right time to move to the next stage of his career.

“It has been a great honour to be able serve the great Queensland resources sector over such an extended period at the helm of its peak body. The sector comprises wonderful people and hundreds of great businesses – large, medium and small – which deliver so much employment and wealth for our state,” Mr Roche said.

“The QRC is a great organisation with a very talented team that continues to deliver excellent service to the resources sector through some truly challenging times in recent years.”

Mr Roche said he had no intention of disappearing off into the sunset.

“I enjoy my current non-executive board work and hope to do more of this. I also believe there is an opportunity to share my knowledge, expertise and experience built up over the past nearly 40 years, in a consulting capacity,” Mr Roche said.

“I am also keen to do more to assist the state’s charities and not-for-profit sector […] There is however no hiding the fact that the QRC Chief Executive role is a very demanding seven days a week commitment. I certainly look forward to also having more time with family and friends.”

QRC President, Stewart Butel, commented: “Michael’s skills and commitment as an advocate for the Queensland resources sector and as a leader of a great Queensland organisation are second to none […] Michael is leaving big shoes to fill.”

Mr Roche will remain to provide a suitable handover to a new Chief Executive.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock