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QRC welcomes new gas project but warns planning is needed to keep 'the Maroon advantage'
THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the collaborative approach to the supply of domestic gas with the granting of a petroleum lease to joint venture partners Australian Pacific LNG and Armour Energy near Chinchilla.
The project is an Australian-first whereby gas will be directed towards Australian manufacturers to support local industries.
“Queensland has worked hard to become the East Coast’s most reliable producer of gas, but that advantage will be eroded without continued planning and investment in new exploration and new projects,” QRC chief execuitive Ian Macfarlane said.
“At the moment, Queensland can rightly claim the title as the heavy lifter in the East Coast gas market. We are the only East Coast state where the gas industry has been developed in recent years and jobs created, and it has been done within a robust environmental and approvals framework.
“We can see the benefit of that forward thinking through the investment and jobs in the gas industry which will now translate to support for investment and jobs in Australian manufacturing.
“Queensland has the resources to continue to lead the pack on gas project investment, jobs, and support for other industries. But Queensland can’t afford to rest on its laurels," he said.
“The projects and jobs which are now a reality are the result of careful planning to attract investment. We must have the investment framework in place to give confidence to the next round of projects.
“QRC is particularly concerned about a Palaszczuk Government proposal for a significant expansion to the area of land locked up from gas projects in Western Queensland," Mr Macfarlane said.
“Queensland must ensure the framework is right for new opportunities for well-regulated gas development in the Lake Eyre Basin, which will benefit local communities and create local jobs including for Traditional Owners.
“Without proper planning Queensland will throw away its advantage as an East Coast gas powerhouse.
“The industry will continue to consult with the Queensland Government on this issue and will work constructively with the Opposition and cross bench in the lead up to the state election to ensure the Queensland gas industry continues to lead the East Coast.”
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