Gas to flow by end of year
Domestic supply a step closer
QUEENSLAND’S first “domestic-only” gas supply has moved a step closer, with a licence awarded to start construction of a gas processing plant near Wandoan on the Western Downs.
Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the State Government had issued a petroleum facility licence, allowing Jemena to build a plant to process gas from Senex Energy’s Project Atlas in the Surat Basin.
The plant is part of Jemena’s $140 million Atlas gas pipeline project, which will create 150 jobs and connect Project Atlas to the Wallumbilla Gas Hub in south-west Queensland.
“From Senex’s production field to Jemena’s processing and transportation to customers, this gas will stay in Australia to power local jobs,” Dr Lynham said.
“Queensland continues to do the heavy lifting on gas supply and this will have benefits for Australian businesses and contribute to future energy security.
“Gas is expected to be flowing to Australian businesses by the end of this year.
“While other states close their doors, Queensland continues to rise to the challenge of bringing energy and feedstock to our manufacturers to maintain jobs.”
Senex managing director and chief executive officer Ian Davies said the decision was great news for Project Atlas and for gas customers in eastern Australia.
“Senex strongly supports the Queensland Government’s far-sighted policy to introduce more natural gas into the domestic market,” Mr Davies said.
“This approval brings that outcome closer, keeping us on schedule to deliver gas from Project Atlas by the end of 2019. The decision also keeps us on track to create further jobs in construction and operations as well as business opportunities in the Western Downs.”
Jemena’s Managing Director, Frank Tudor, said the licence meant the company could now advance its jobs plan in the region.
“This is a win for people in regional Queensland,” he said.
“In the coming weeks and months we will be holding a series of information sessions across the region to discuss the project, outline job and other opportunities, and to hear directly from the community about how they would like to be involved.”