Federal Government Approves Coal Seam Gas Expansion in Queensland
The federal government has approved a significant coal seam gas expansion project in Queensland, allowing operations until 2081. This development is projected to contribute approximately 120 million tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifespan.
The approval permits Australia Pacific LNG to continue constructing, operating, and eventually decommissioning new gas infrastructure within Queensland’s Surat and Bowen basins.
Project Scope and Emissions
The expansion could involve up to 1,695 new gas wells, 1,545 kilometers of gas and water pipelines, and three processing facilities. These facilities are expected to produce around 2,033 petajoules of gas. The project is planned to operate until 2061, with the extended approval period ensuring compliance with environmental conditions.
The project's public environment report estimates that 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be generated during construction and operation phases, while approximately 111 million tonnes will result from burning the gas. This total exceeds Australia's annual transport emissions.
Reactions from Climate Advocates
Amanda McKenzie, chief executive of the Climate Council, highlighted the approval as the 36th fossil fuel project endorsed by the Albanese government.
“The government says it is committed to cutting climate pollution, but approving new coal and gas projects is like lighting another cigarette while you’re trying to quit smoking. You cannot cut climate pollution if you keep approving more projects.
After a summer marked by record heat and destructive flooding, communities are already living with the consequences of climate pollution. Approving new sources of pollution only increases the harm.”
Project Ownership and Market Impact
Australia Pacific LNG is a joint venture comprising ConocoPhillips, Origin Energy, and Sinopec. The development, named the Supply Security Project, aims to supply both domestic and export markets.
A spokesperson for Australia Pacific LNG expressed support for the federal environment law approval.
“The continued development of these gas fields will allow us to continue to produce gas from our existing reserves base to meet existing export contracts and provide essential gas supply to Australia’s east coast now and into the future,”
the spokesperson stated.
Government Oversight and Environmental Conditions
A government spokesperson noted that the project was approved following thorough scientific evaluation and will be subject to 126 environmental conditions.
“The project will be required to reduce its emissions every year and reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the Albanese Government’s strengthened Safeguard Mechanism,”
the spokesperson added.
Concerns from Environmental Groups
Lock the Gate’s national coordinator Ellen Roberts commented on the extensive impact of coal seam gas wells in Queensland.
“Queensland’s landscape had already been scarred by more than 16,000 coal seam gas wells.
Export gas companies like Origin Energy in Queensland already produce far more gas than we use. This project isn’t about Australia’s energy security, it’s about boosting and prolonging the profits of multinational gas exporters.”
