AUSTRALIA — The Australian federal government has granted final approval of Senex Energy’s new $1 billion gas developments in Queensland’s Surat Basin.
This significant project is expected to bolster the gas supply to Australia’s east coast, which is crucial for both residential and industrial energy needs.
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Officer, Janette Hewson, congratulated Senex on securing the approval, emphasising the project’s importance in maintaining Queensland’s pivotal role in the national energy landscape.
“The QRC was pleased to support the Atlas and Roma North gas development applications, which underwent rigorous consultation and regulator review.
“This project will create new local jobs and economic opportunities for regional southwest Queensland, and importantly, boost energy supply for homes and businesses across our east coast,” Hewson stated.
Highlighting the critical role of Queensland in the energy sector, Hewson noted: “Thousands of households and manufacturers rely on gas heading south from Queensland, particularly during the peak winter period, to keep the heaters on and their factories operating.
“The 60 petajoules the new Senex development will provide each year will make a big difference and reinforce Queensland’s reputation as doing the heavy lifting to support the energy needs of Australia’s east coast.”
Hewson also pointed out that increasing the gas supply is essential for reducing energy prices for both households and businesses.
“Boosting supply is the key to lowering energy prices for households and businesses, and the extra domestic gas to be supplied by Senex will contribute to that,” she added.
While welcoming the approval, the QRC stressed the need for more gas projects in Queensland and the expansion of pipeline infrastructure to prevent potential energy shortfalls.
“All levels of government have a role to play in reducing the heavy regulatory burden on industry and streamlining approval processes by removing state and federal duplication to get urgently needed new projects underway,” Hewson said.
She referenced warnings from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) about impending gas shortfalls without an expansion of existing pipelines and new gas projects in Queensland.
“Given the critical need for more gas to support Australia’s energy transition, the QRC and industry want to work with all governments to get the right policy settings to attract investment in the new projects required with timely approval processes,” Hewson concluded.