A new report released by Queensland’s GasFields Commission has put forth a roadmap solution to increase domestic supply of natural gas.
The report shows how governments, local communities, landowners and gas companies can work together to deliver jobs and economic opportunities.
The report, ‘On New Ground’, details the lessons learned from the development of Queensland’s pioneering coal seam gas industry as well as the massive benefits that have been gained.
A major key finding was the need to leverage legacy opportunities, suggesting that landholders need to consider carefully how they interact and interface with the gas industry with an eye to securing their long-term business objectives.
Additionally, the report puts forward the need to develop a robust and trustworthy regulatory framework, “Government must develop and promote a framework covering all aspects of new industry development including tenure requirements, project approvals, land access codes, environmental management including water, health, safety and social impacts.”
APPEA Queensland Director, Rhys Turner, said the report provides a clear pathway for other states to follow.
“There is no more room for excuses,” Mr Turner said.
“Australia needs more gas to put downward pressure on prices and Queensland’s gas industry has shown how it can be done.
“The GasFields Commission report also confirms the gas industry has delivered enormous benefits. We are talking about a $13 billion boost to the Queensland economy, more than 4,700 full-time jobs and almost $240 million in direct payments to landholders.
“A successful model for co-existence exists. All the hard work has been done. There is simply no reason why Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory cannot be developing their own gas resources.”
Mr Turner said the Council of Australian Government’s Energy Council meeting in Brisbane should endorse the immediate removal of all unscientific bans and moratoriums on onshore gas development.
“Numerous independent studies have shown that onshore gas development is safe,” Mr Turner said.
“State-based bans and restrictions are strangling gas supply and resulting in higher than necessary prices.
“Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel AO, says there is no place in Australia for bans and moratoriums on natural gas. Every project should be considered on its merits.
“This really should be a no-brainer. It’s not acceptable for some states to complain about gas prices while continuing to block new projects.”