PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The federal government on Tuesday threw its support behind the development of Australia’s unconventional gas resources, with Industry and Science Minister Ian Macfarlane releasing the Domestic Gas Strategy.

Macfarlane noted that the strategy would provide the framework to develop unconventional gas resources, including coal seam gas, shale gas and tight gas, and had been based on comprehensive scientific data and expertise.

The Domestic Gas Strategy built on the recently released Energy White Paper, which identified the onshore gas industry as an important energy source for domestic consumption and for export.

“Australia is an energy superpower and some of our most significant opportunities for growth will come from our onshore gas assets,” Macfarlane said.

“We must ensure that we develop our energy assets in an environmentally and economically responsible way.”

The Minister said that the Domestic Gas Strategy would ensure all decisions about the development of gas reserves were based on a comprehensive body of science and research that was detailed, easily accessible and answered the questions communities were asking as they worked with the gas industry.

“Our Energy White Paper has laid out a blueprint for growth in our energy sector, by focusing on increasing competition, getting the most out of our energy resources by enhancing our energy productivity, and maximising investment in our energy sector.

“Unconventional gas, including coal seam and shale gas, is already a big part of Australia’s gas supply, accounting for around 40% of production in the eastern Australian gas market. It will become even more important over the next decade in meeting domestic and international demand.”

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (Appea) has welcomed the release of the Domestic Gas Strategy, with acting CEO Paul Fennelly saying that it recognised the importance of unconventional gas production in the country’s energy mix and economic prosperity.

He added that the government’s commitment to provide communities with more information about how industry was regulated, as well as research undertaken by reputable government agencies such as the CSIRO and Geoscience Australia, was a positive step forward.

Macfarlane meanwhile said that the gas industry was expected to take responsibility for its own future, while the government worked with communities to help realise the benefits of responsible development.

“This means being involved in meaningful and proactive engagement with communities and acting to understand and mitigate unwanted environmental or social impacts of its activities.”

He also noted that the Domestic Gas Strategy would support discussions with state governments, which had the primary responsibility for onshore gas development, and inform the work of the Council of Australian Governments’ Energy Council on ways to address unnecessary barriers to bringing on new gas supply.

“New gas development will ensure farmers’ rights and bring tangible benefits for local communities while protecting our land and water resources. It’s through this balance that we will cement our position as an energy superpower and remain competitive,” Macfarlane said.