PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (Appea) has welcomed a new report by the Office of the Chief Economist into the economic importance of Queensland’s coal seam gas (CSG) industry.
The report found that the economic impacts of CSG development were consistent with other natural resource developments, with net positive impacts on employment, income, output and government revenue.
The report noted that broader community impacts, including social, demographic and health outcomes, differed from other developments as a result of the geospatial dispersion of CSG activities and uncertainties about potential environmental impacts.
The report further pointed out that there was a strong need for sustainable coexistence between the gas industry and the local land-holders and communities.
Appea CEO Dr Malcolm Roberts said the benefits of world-first CSG-liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects would never have materalised without political leadership and community efforts to work, liaise with and understand how natural gas is produced and used.
“The report acknowledges the role governments have played in fostering good relationships between communities, industry and rural land-holders,” he noted.
“Sensible policies and regulations that provide certainty to all stakeholders are now bearing fruit. The economic benefits from gas production and export will last for decades.
“We must continue to be good neighbours in regional areas through support and ongoing consultation,” he added.
Nearly A$1.4-billion worth of LNG has been exported from Queensland this year, contributing to a 15.7% increase in the nominal value of the state’s overseas merchandise exports in the three months to August 31, compared with the same period last year.