Gas industry fuels more Downs jobs

Toowoomba specialist gas industry supplier Easternwell, a Broadspectrum subsidiary, has snared a multi-million dollar contract that will sustain more than 300 jobs and flow-on for other local businesses.

Visiting Easternwell’s workshop in Toowoomba today, Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the five-year contract would deliver a major injection into the city’s economy.

“The south-west Queensland gas industry continues to fuel Toowoomba and the Downs’s economy when it comes to jobs and business opportunities,” he said.

“It’s great to see this contract with Shell’s QGC business generating local employment, including more contracts for local Indigenous businesses.

“Statewide the oil and gas industry continues to directly employ some 8000 people and contribute to the state with an expected $447 million in royalties in 2018‑19.

“The Darling Downs is at the heart of this industry with the Surat and southern Bowen basins accounting for more than three quarters of the industry in Queensland.”

Mr Tony Nunan, Shell’s VP QGC said: “Our natural gas business is a multi-decade investment across the region, helping create jobs, boost income for communities and increase domestic energy supply.

Mr Tim Phelan, Executive General Manager, Broadspectrum and Easternwell, said: “This new contract reinforces our ability to design, build and deliver world-leading innovative technical solutions from our Toowoomba hub to the resources sector nationally, while engaging local employees and businesses to boost local economic activity.”

Dr Lynham said Queensland continued to be the nation’s energy powerhouse.

“We have the lowest wholesale electricity prices, are a net exporter of gas to the eastern states and a leader in policy initiatives to tackle domestic gas supply issues,” he said.

“We have three companies with licences in the Surat to seek out or produce gas for the domestic market only, and a structured plan to deliver effective incentives for explorers.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s wants to keep growing Queensland as a reliable and affordable gas producer to drive regional economic growth, to provide gas to our industry and manufacturers, and for electricity generation.

“Reliable domestic gas supply will also help us address one of our biggest challenges– climate change – because gas is a low emission fuel as we transition to a renewable future.”

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BACKGROUND

Easternwell is a subsidiary of Broadspectrum, providing innovative operations, maintenance and construction solutions across the resources, industrial, infrastructure, property, social and defence sectors. Easternwell specialises in well servicing, drilling and camp management services to the mining, oil and gas industries.

Shell is one of Australia’s leading natural gas explorers and producers, and its QGC project is focused on developing Queensland’s world-class onshore gas reserves for supply to the domestic market and international customers. The company aims to develop a legacy in Queensland which inspires future innovation and business development, while building pathways to employment.

Media inquiries:

Dr Lynham:  Jan Martin 0439 341 314

Easternwell: Shelley Folkard 0447 209 015

Shell/QGC: Shell Media 0417 007 344