QRC welcomes more land for gas exploration

THE Queensland Resources Council, the peak organisation for the State’s coal, metal and petroleum producers, explorers and suppliers, has welcomed the release of more than 3000sqkm of land in parts of south west and central Queensland near existing infrastructure to fast-track the gas to market.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the resources industry had called on the Palaszczuk Government to release more land for exploration to create jobs, boost exports and drive down energy costs to help stimulate the Queensland economy from the impacts of COVID-19.

“The resources sector has played a critical role in keeping Queenslanders working and earning through COVID-19 and is central to the state’s economic recovery. Allowing industry to responsibly develop gas for both the domestic and export markets  will benefit all Queenslanders” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Senex Energy, State Gas, Comet Ridge and Denison Gas will explore the blocks of land with over 450sqkm assigned with a domestic-only condition.

“Senex has also announced a domestic gas supply agreement with the Northern Oil Refinery near Gladstone with up to 2.5 petajoules of gas which will support 32 jobs directly and hundreds more indirectly.”

Mr Macfarlane said Queensland’s oil and gas industry contributes $8 billion to the State’s economy, supports more than 37,000 full time jobs and invests $2.7 billion with local businesses and community organisations.

www.qrc.org.au

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