Queensland’s economy teeters on edge of ratings downgrade despite coal royalty windfall

Earnings from mining the fossil fuel set to increase to $6.9bn over financial year, up from $4.8bn, with budget deficit to reach $6.2bnFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastQueensland’s treasurer says he’s “not giving up” on halting a ratings downgrade for the state’s finances after handing down a budget full of red ink, amid predictions state borrowing will top $200bn in three years.David Janetzki promised a budget surplus in 2029-30, the year after the state’s next election – but only after years of billion-dollar deficits.The state is running