Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) Queensland Director Matthew Paull said that an $A18 million investment in the Greenfields 2020 program to increase exploration demonstrated the Queensland Government’s commitment to long-term energy security in the state.
“APPEA also welcomes the government’s commitment of $A14.6 million to increase the number of petroleum and gas inspectors,”? Mr Paull said.
Other budget funding welcomed by APPEA included a $A12.5 million government commitment over four years to further streamline regulatory approvals processes, and a $A10.7 million commitment to upgrade Queensland’s tenure management system.
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson said that the Greenfields 2020 program would target under-explored geological terrains, and that the government is “committed to supporting the emerging coal seam gas (CSG) to LNG industry”? in a safe and sustainable manner.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Michael Roche said that of the $A19 million overall funding allocated in the budget for the additional staff and revamped systems, $A12.5 million will be paid for directly by the industry through increased tenure-related fees.
“Judging by the success of the IT overhaul in Western Australia, the QRC is confident that the investment in a new system here will pay dividends in terms of reduced delays and productivity efficiencies,”? Mr Roche said.
He added that the QRC would have preferred more funding for the Greenfields 2020 program, but that the “tight”? budget position had lead to an assumption that the $A18 million was “as much as could be afforded right now”?.
Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser announced funding of $A5 million over the next four years for the state government unit overseeing the development of Queensland’s LNG industry.
“This budget allocation will help ensure the state government has the policies and capacity it needs to facilitate LNG industry development, and develop Queensland’s regional economies, including those in the Surat Basin,”? Mr Fraser said.