Arrow on target for Qld jobs, exports and royalties

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the green light for Arrow Energy’s $10 billion Surat Gas Project which will create around 1000 jobs during construction and operation.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the decision to grant 14 petroleum leases would be a welcome addition to the state’s economy and a significant local boost for the Western Downs.

“Every new resources project in Queensland means more jobs, and more royalty taxes paid to benefit all Queenslanders,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Through the bipartisan foresight more than a decade ago to develop Queensland’s gas industry, we are now reaping the benefits of an industry that supports more than 39,000 jobs and injects $8.2 billion into the Queensland economy.

“The go ahead for Arrow Energy’s project in the Surat is a significant commitment of confidence in the Queensland gas industry and is a sizeable investment from the private sector.

“More gas being produced is good news for all gas customers, both domestic and export. 

“The development of our state’s gas industry is in stark contrast to the inaction of other states, where opportunity for investment and jobs is being squandered.

”With a go-slow on gas development in NSW and a blanket ban on some types of gas projects in Victoria, what the Southern States are really saying is they’re not prepared to support local jobs and local industry.

“The ongoing strength of our resources sector will lock in economic gains for all Queenslanders.

“But we cannot take this success for granted.  The Arrow Energy project is a welcome addition to our state’s diverse resources sector, but we must ensure more projects are developed across our full range of commodities, including gas, coal, metals and other minerals.

“Only stable and predictable policy with a clear set of rules will ensure investment in exploration leads to new investment, new jobs and new exports for Queensland.”

www.qrc.org.au

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