The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has warned that delays in approving new gas projects could threaten Australia’s energy security, urging federal and state governments to streamline the process to keep up with growing demand.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson told industry leaders at the Gladstone Engineering Alliance Major Industry, Energy and Manufacturing Conference that gas remains vital to Queensland’s energy future and the national transition.
She noted that both the federal and Queensland governments had formally recognised the importance of gas to maintaining reliable energy across the east coast.
“Both the federal and Queensland governments have identified gas as critical to the energy transition keeping homes, businesses and industry running across Australia’s east coast,” she said.
Hewson cited the Queensland government’s newly released Energy Roadmap, which highlighted gas as central to the state’s long-term plan for secure energy supply.
“Last week the Queensland government announced its Energy Roadmap, which outlined the expanded role that gas will play in a practical plan to provide energy security over the next few decades,” she said.
She added that national policy settings must keep pace.
“The Australian government has also acknowledged the increasing importance of gas to domestic energy security through its Future Gas Strategy and the need for more projects coming online to meet demand,” Hewson said.
However, duplicative processes and regulatory delays are preventing timely progress, she warned.
“Duplication between different agencies and both levels of government as well as excessive regulation means it’s taking too long for new projects to move from exploration to production,” Hewson said.
“We can streamline the approvals process and provide community confidence that world-leading environmental and regulatory standards are maintained.”
While pointing to recent signs of cooperation, she said the sector would continue to work closely with the government on reforms.
“QRC is encouraged by the Queensland government’s establishment of the Resources Cabinet Committee, which brings together key Ministerial decision-makers as well as the review of the Land Access framework,” she said.
“The energy transition presents significant opportunities for Queensland, particularly regional communities like Gladstone, and industry looks forward to working constructively with all levels of government to achieve best outcomes for our state,” Hewson said.
