A gas pipeline in Queensland’s Bowen Basin could future-proof gas supply, reduce emissions and help create jobs, a new study has found.

The Queensland Government’s Bowen Basin Pipeline concept study, which was recently completed, found there is a need for securing additional gas to supplement demand, and the North Bowen Basin is a prime candidate if the appropriate infrastructure is put in place.

The Bowen Basin, which has traditionally focused on coal production, has the potential to bring more gas to Queensland’s domestic and export markets – by opening up areas for new gas production and capturing unutilised gas from coal mines.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the answer to domestic gas shortages and supporting manufacturers is more gas production in Queensland.

“Developing the Bowen Basin could do this, while also making a valuable addition to our transition to a low carbon economy.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the resources industry was a key part of the region’s economy.

“The resources industry has long been a traditional strength of Mackay and Central Queensland’s economy and this is just another potential opportunity to create jobs in the region,” she said.

The concept study investigated potential pipeline pathways and optimisation of the Bowen Basin’s gas reserves to support the East Coast gas market for export and domestic use.

The study also investigated opportunities to capture fugitive emissions from underground and open-cut coal mines in the Bowen Basin to assist in Queensland’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Stewart said the project could make meaningful progress towards the Government’s target of 30 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2050.

“Modelling in the study showed that the reduction in fugitive emissions from coal mine methane capture outweighs the potential emissions impact from CSG,” he said.

“This means that the pipeline would bring low emission gas to market, and it could also reduce the emissions impact of coal mines in the area, which is a big win-win for all involved.”

The Queensland Government is now considering the report and its findings to determine the most appropriate next steps for the Bowen Basin pipeline study.

The full Bowen Basin Pipeline concept study can be found here.