Queensland’s economy teeters on edge of ratings downgrade despite coal royalty windfall (opens original article in a new tab)

Queensland's economy faces potential credit rating downgrade despite coal royalty gains and budget forecasts of future surpluses, with state borrowing projected to exceed $200bn by 2029-30.

• Queensland's treasurer aims to avoid a credit rating downgrade despite budget deficits and $200bn in projected state borrowing by 2029-30.
• Coal royalties are forecast to rise to $6.9bn in 2026-27, driven by increased exports, but the state still faces a risk of rating downgrade.
• Budget forecasts include a $1.9bn operating surplus in 2028-29, with government spending rising to $111.6bn by 2029-30.