QRC backs funding for new gas infrastructure

THE Queensland Resources Council supports the State Government’s move to seek federal funding to build new infrastructure to emerging gas producing areas.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the announcement today would pave the way for more gas supply into the east coast market from the Bowen and Galilee Basins. 

“It’s common knowledge the eastern seaboard of Australia is facing a gas shortage and instead of putting their head in the sand the government is looking at how to fix the problem,” Mr Macfarlane said. 

“This is another proactive step by the Queensland government following an announcement of new land releases in the Surat Basin for gas exploration.”

The State Government is asking for funding from the Federal Government through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).

“NAIF funding for gas pipelines is a good idea to release stranded gas,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Once again Queensland is leading the way in securing the energy security of Australia.”

In another positive sign for the resources industry geologists have unearthed evidence of platinum and gold as well as Rare Earth Elements (REE) in the state’s mineral rich north west.

“These types of minerals are used in new technologies including batteries, mobile phones and solar panels,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Last year the QRC launched its ‘Resourcing Innovation’ campaign about the importance of minerals for new cutting edge technologies and Queensland’s contribution to the future of these technologies will be significant with the potential of this discovery.”

The QRC also backs the continued funding of the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI).

“The GABSI initiative preserves the artesian basin waters and protects artesian water pressures for the graziers industry.”

www.qrc.org.au

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