1900 jobs could be created by possible GLNG expansion

Another 1900 jobs could be created in the Surat and Bowen basins with a proposed expansion of Santos GLNG’s gas field operations in south-west Queensland.

The Queensland Coordinator-General has released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed project and will undertake a rigorous environmental assessment of it before any decision is made.

The public have been invited to have their say and provide input into the EIS.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the potential expansion of Santos GLNG’s coal seam gas fields in the Surat and Bowen basins could create 1700 jobs for Queenslanders during construction and a further 200 ongoing operational jobs.

“The proposed Santos GLNG Gas Field Development Project entails the progressive development of 35 petroleum tenements covering around 11,000 square kilometres in the south-west of the state,” Mr Seeney said.

“These tenements are located across areas in the vicinity of Roma, Wallumbilla, Miles, Surat, Wandoan, Taroom, Injune and Rolleston and could lead to about 6000 production wells and necessary accompanying infrastructure being constructed progressively over the next 20 years.

“If the project goes ahead, it will provide considerable medium and long-term job opportunities for the region. However its expansion must strike the right balance between the environment and existing land uses.

“We promised to grow the resource pillar of our economy and Santos GLNG’s expansion proposal demonstrates it has confidence in Queensland’s liquefied natural gas industry.”

The Coordinator-General is conducting a single assessment on behalf of the State and Federal governments with consultation set to occur from 10 November to 22 December 2014.

Submissions can be emailed to SantosGLNG-GFDP@coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au or posted to 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.

To view the EIS visit www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/assessments-and-approvals/santos-glng-gas-field-development-project.html

Printed copies of the EIS can be viewed at all major libraries in the Maranoa, Banana and Central Highlands shires and at Santos GLNG shopfronts.

[ENDS] 13 November 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744

**Editor’s note addresses of where printed EIS information can be viewed

• Biloela Library: corner of Grevillea and Melton Streets
• Dalby Library: 107 Drayton Street
• Emerald Library: 44 Borilla Street
• Roma Library: 38-44 Hawthorne Street
• Santos GLNG Roma Community Shopfront: 80 McDowall Street
• Santos GLNG Taroom Community Shopfront: 37/39 Yaldwyn Street
• State Library of Queensland: Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane
• National Library of Australia: Parkes Place, Canberra, ACT.