Gas and natural resources are an important part of the Queensland economy. Supporting businesses of all sizes over past years, a recent announcement will see this connection continue for many years to come.
In a November 17 media statement, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk explained that Queensland is poised to be part of a Northern Territory project which will see a 600km pipeline built from Tennant Creek to Mount Isa.
The premier said that Jemena’s $800 million gas project is expected to provide hundreds of new jobs and apprenticeships as well as provide vital energy supplies to Queensland regional communities.
“This is a coup for Queensland for the jobs and opportunities it will create for local suppliers, as well as the potentially cheaper energy it will supply to the north-west resources projects,” Premier Palaszczuk said.
“The project will generate 560 construction jobs across the 600km pipeline.”
Why Queensland?
As well as being one of the fastest growing states in terms of resource use, Queensland is also the gateway to the valuable eastern seaboard gas markets. This pipeline is designed to meet the existing Mount Isa to Eromanga gas pipeline and a similar line which connects to South Australia.
This announcement is something of a coup for Queensland, given that the pipeline could have been built to South Australia, as State Development Minister Anthony Lynham explained.
“The Queensland route makes economic and environmental sense, particularly with the extensive established supply chain in and around Mount Isa with significant experience in the resources sector,” he said.
“Export and domestic eastern seaboard gas demand is forecast to treble by 2020 and more gas supplies can only help to contain energy prices that affect investment decisions.”
Potential for jobs opportunities?
Construction opportunities are also welcomed in Queensland and the Northern Territory. After moving through a slow period after the global financial crisis, investment is on the rise and more businesses are adopting apprenticeships and traineeships.
Jemena Managing Director Paul Adams explained the potential for jobs on this latest pipeline project.
“The pipeline is cost-effective and relatively quick to build, so it will support a strong gas industry for the Territory by getting gas to market at a competitive price, accelerating development of NT gas fields and helping create jobs and opportunities in the gas industry,” he said.
Other businesses in the Queensland region are also expected to grow and develop as a result of this project. This represents a positive time for job creation and apprenticeship potential.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
