Palaszczuk Government gas policy creating Queensland jobs in the bush

A multi-million-dollar expansion of a Queensland gas project will create 100 jobs and bring more gas into the market, with Senex Energy announcing it will increase gas production by 50 per cent at its Project Atlas operation in the Surat Basin.

The $40 million investment means the company will be able to produce 18 petajoules of natural gas per year.

Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the expansion at the site 20km southwest of Wandoan would create jobs and stimulate the region’s economy as the Palaszczuk Government continues to implement its strong COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“Senex’s expansion at Atlas is slated to create 100 jobs and inject about $15 million into our regional communities,” Mr Stewart said.

“Natural gas production is an important part of Queensland’s resources sector, a sector that has supported an average of 76,000 direct jobs through the pandemic.

“Queensland really does lead the nation when it comes to gas policy, and it’s thanks to the Palaszczuk Government that we’re able to keep more gas on Australian shores to benefit local businesses and families.

“It is Queensland that continues to the heavy lifting when it comes to domestic gas.

“We have released more than 20,000 square kilometres of land for tender exclusively for the domestic market, with 15 tenures granted.

“In 2018, Senex was awarded the first Australian market supply condition tenure, guaranteeing the gas they extract goes to the Australian market.”

Since then, Senex has signed supply contracts with a range of businesses across the east coast Australia, ensuring Queensland gas isn’t just creating jobs in Queensland, but also interstate.

Managing Director and CEO of Senex Ian Davies said the expansion would increase production from the successful Project Atlas domestic gas project by 50 per cent, with the company on track to deliver material increases in gas sales for manufacturers and electricity providers in the next 12 months.

“Atlas is a high-quality development, providing material and reliable supplies of natural gas to Australian manufacturers, supporting the economy and jobs in local communities,” Mr Davies said.

“Senex is a producer that continues to grow its natural gas production in a tightening east coast gas market, supporting the economy and jobs, providing affordable and reliable gas supply for industry as Australia transitions to a lower carbon future.”

Since 2015 the Queensland Government has released more than 80,000 square kilometres of land for gas exploration, over a quarter of it guaranteed for the Australian domestic market.

Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0434 575 237