Santos GLNG has entered into a $750 million gas expansion in south-west Queensland, boosting the state’s gas production to 70 per cent of the east coast supply.
In a joint statement with Santos’ Executive Vice President Onshore Upstream, Brett Woods, QLD Minister for Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, said Santos’ investment in the Roma East Field would mean more gas supply for the Australian market and for LNG exports.
“This development will offer jobs, as well as significant local business opportunities, with 430 wells to be drilled, 420km of pipelines to be installed and 670km of powerlines to support the new gas infrastructure,” Dr Lynham said.
“We welcome this sign of confidence by Santos in Queensland as an investment destination.
“Queensland continues to be Australia’s gas powerhouse, producing 70 per cent of the total east coast gas supply.”
Mr Woods said Santos is delighted to support jobs and investment in regional Queensland.
“The Roma East Project is part of a $900 million capital investment that Santos and our GLNG partners will make in upstream developments in the Maranoa, Western Downs, Central Highlands and Banana regions this year alone,” Mr Woods said.
“This project will add nearly 50 PJ a year to gas production in Queensland in 2020 – equivalent to about eight per cent of expected east coast domestic gas demand this year. This is great news for both the domestic gas market and our LNG exports.”
APPEA Queensland Director, Rhys Turner, said the Roma East project would provide a significant economic boost to communities in south-west Queensland.
“This is a huge win for Queensland jobs and for regional development,” Mr Turner said.
“More gas also means more royalties for the Queensland Government.
“Today’s announcement shows that Queensland’s gas industry is meeting its commitment to develop more gas for the domestic market as well as for export.”
Mr Turner said the announcement once again demonstrated how Queensland communities were benefitting from the responsible development of the state’s natural gas resources.
