Call for comment on new gas field development project

The State Government is calling for public comment on the draft terms of reference for an Environmental Impact Statement for a significant expansion of the Santos GLNG Project.

Santos GLNG proposes to undertake the project on behalf of the same joint venture arrangement as for the previously authorised GLNG Project, comprising Santos Limited, PETRONAS, Total and KOGAS.

The project involves plans to progressively develop coal seam gas (CSG) reserves in the Surat and Bowen basins by drilling additional wells over the next 20 years, and is in support of the GLNG Project, but may also supply gas to third parties, including domestic and/or export customers.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the project has been declared a “significant project” requiring an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the Coordinator-General.

“The Santos GLNG Gas Field Development Project covers 35 petroleum tenures, taking in parts of the Maranoa, Western Downs and Central Highlands Regional Councils and Banana Shire Council, in the vicinity of Roma, Wallumbilla, Miles, Surat, Wandoan, Taroom, Injune and Rolleston.

Coordinator-General Barry Broe said that the approvals process for this project would be complex, with potentially a large number of local and State agencies involved, in addition to the Commonwealth government.

“After the public comment period, the Coordinator-General will review the draft TOR and release the final terms of reference for the proponent to address in the EIS,” Mr Seeney said.

The project is expected to create around 1700 jobs during peak construction times, and around 200 operational jobs.

The draft terms of reference, project description document, and further information about the EIS process can be viewed from 15 December 2012 at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/gasfield or in person at:

–          Biloela Library, Car Grevillea and Melton Streets, Biloela

–          Dalby Library, 1 Stuart Street, Dalby

–          Emerald Library, 44 Barilla Street, Emerald

–          Roma Library, 38–44 Hawthorne Street, Roma

–          State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane.

All public submissions should be made in writing and received by the Coordinator-General by close of business on 4 February 2013.

Email: SantosGLNG-GFDP@coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au

Post: The Coordinator-General
c/- EIS project manager – Santos GLNG Gas Field Development Project
Coordinated Project Delivery
Office of the Coordinator-General
PO Box 15517
City East QLD 4002 Australia

Fax: +61 7 3225 8282

[ENDS] 14 December 2012

Media Contact: John Wiseman – 0409 791 281