Speaking on the eve of the annual convention and exhibition of The Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) being held in Cairns from 18-20 October, Mr Choi said current modelling indicated that a Queensland industry exporting 28 million tonnes of LNG per year could increase gross state product by around $3 billion.
“The Bligh Government is working with industry and the community to provide a clear understanding of our plans to develop the world’s first coal seam gas to LNG export industry,”? Mr Choi said.
Mr Choi added that the booming LNG industry would have flow-on benefits for other industries including Australia’s pipelines.
“Through measures such as a light-handed regulatory approach and exemptions from access and pricing regulation for greenfield pipelines, we will see the pipeline industry and the Queensland economy power ahead,”? Mr Choi said.
Also speaking at the conference, APIA Chief Executive Officer Cheryl Cartwright said that there was an increasing awareness that natural gas will play a key role in Australia’s transition to renewable energy sources both now and in the long term.