Environmentalists slam new gas exploration sites
Environmentalists have slammed a state government's decision to open nine new gas exploration sites, claiming it will only support the international market.
The Queensland government will open the new fields spanning 16,000 square kilometres across the state to tap into further gas reserves.
The fields will span Cooper, Eromanga, Bowen and Surat basins in the state's regions using conventional gas extraction methods and coal seam gas.
Resources Minister Dale Last said the exploration sites will be vital to finding a new supply to meet the growing demand for energy across Australia amid fears of blackouts along the east coast.
"The best way to bring down energy prices is to have more energy in the market, and that starts with exploration," Mr Last said in a statement.
"These steps are about unlocking new supply, securing an investment pipeline and getting the right policy settings in place so Queensland can lead the way on energy security."
The Australian Energy Market Operator has previously issued blackout warnings in NSW and Queensland during summer due to high electricity demand and hot temperatures.
Natural gas accounted for more than a quarter of Australia's total energy consumption in 2022-23, with 1518 petajoules used.
Mr Last said "unscientific" decisions made by southern states have left Queensland carrying the load for the east coast gas market, leading to the need for more exploration.
"We need a regulatory framework that supports new development, instead of holding it back," he said.
But environmentalists have called the announcement devastating and deceitful.
"The government should be ashamed to look Queenslanders impacted by climate-fuelled disasters in the eye, and pretend that they care," Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman said.
Gas is Queensland's second-largest export behind coal, with the state producing 1550 petajoules of coal seam gas to supply both the international and domestic markets in 2024.
Mr Copeman said it is a false narrative that the new exploration sites will support other states and territories when the bulk of the gas is exported.
"No company is planning to pipe gas from the Bowen basin to Melbourne," he said.
Other environmental advocates also say the announcement will only benefit multinational gas companies instead of Queenslanders.
"The vast majority of Queensland's gas is destined for export, not for domestic use," Lock the Gate's Ellen Roberts said.
She called for an urgent moratorium on the gas expansions to prevent any possible damage to the land and underground water resources regional communities rely on.
The state government also announced it will carry out a three-month land release review starting on Wednesday to consider opening more gas exploration sites.
The review is set to look at the needs of the energy market as well as the environmental and community impacts.
It will consider changes to the land release expression of interest process, the land release area selection process, and the competitive tender process.
The state government's gas expansion decision follows a previous pledge to scrap ambitious emissions reduction targets, ordering a review of the legislation.
The former Labor government legislated 50 per cent emissions reduction targets by 2030, and 75 per cent by 2035.
The Liberal National government has said it is committed to net zero by 2050.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
20 hours ago
- Perth Now
Row erupts over state's $2.5bn brag
Cash-strapped state governments are looking west with envy as Western Australia pulls in its large slice of the GST carve up despite the healthiest books in the country. Resource-rich WA posted a $2.5bn operating surplus on Thursday – it's seventh budget surplus in a row. From Friday it is set to receive its share of the GST pool of 75 cents in the dollar, despite its strong revenue stream from its resources sector. State premiers and treasurers have been agitating for changes to the GST distribution, since the final figures were announced in March, and ahead of the funds formally being dished out on Friday. WA Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti delivered the state Labor government's seventh straight surplus this week. NewsWire / Philip Gostelow Credit: News Corp Australia WA is still enjoying the windfalls of a 2018 GST deal struck under previous Coalition government by then-treasurer Scott Morrison and backed in by the Albanese government, where WA is guaranteed 75 cents of every dollar paid in GST. Without this benchmark, WA would have received as little as 18 cents back. The WA Premier and Treasurer credited their economic management for this week's operating surplus and healthy debt forecasts. Iron ore prices are hovering at $US95 while the state government has done its forecasting with an expectation of $US72 a tonne. But every state and territory except WA has been posting deficits since the 75 cent distribution reforms in 2018. Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki says his state is being punished for economic productivity. NewsWire / Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia The Queensland Treasurer feels short-changed, as strong coal royalties pad the state coffers. Victoria and NSW's slices of the GST pie are set to expand while Queensland's portion gets a trim. 'This money belongs to Queenslanders and we should not be punished because of our support for industries that underpin our national wealth,' state Treasurer David Janetzki said. The impending Queensland state budget, to be delivered on Tuesday, will show the effects of a dip in coal prices after an $8.8bn royalties windfall during the past four years. Despite the Sunshine State's royalty take coming down, Queensland's GST payout this year falls by $1.1bn to $16.5bn. In a speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who has historically opposed raising the GST rate, left the door slightly open to raising it from 10 per cent – the amount the excise has remained for the past 25 years. 'I've, for a decade or more, had a view about the GST,' he told The Conversation. 'I repeated that view at the Press Club because I thought that was the honest thing to do, but what I'm going to genuinely try and do, whether it's in this policy area or in other policy areas, is to not limit what people might bring to the table.' Queensland Nationals Senator Matt Canavan is a big fan of coal, and royalties on the natural resource have hugely benefited the state budget in the past few years. NewsWire / Dylan Robinson Credit: NCA NewsWire This year, Queensland is the only state or territory getting less than previous years, while every other jurisdiction is getting more. Victoria is set to become a net-recipient of the GST pool for the first time as well. 'It used to be the case that our friends in Victoria would help us shoulder the burden in supporting all the other states,' NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said last month. 'Victoria is now a recipient state, to quite a large degree, $1.07 (per dollar taxed) is what they're getting. 'I'm going to continue to speak out, particularly about the fact that NSW is now carrying the federation when it comes to GST distribution.' The Northern Territory receives $5.15 for every dollar it contributes, far and away the largest return. Despite having the second largest population, Victoria receives the largest portion of the total pool, getting 27.5 per cent; with a $3.6bn year-on-year increase this time around.
ABC News
a day ago
- ABC News
'Chaotic signals' from Queensland government causing uncertainty and wavering investor confidence in renewable energy sector
Queensland renewable energy and conservation groups say there's uncertainty and wavering investor confidence being caused by the state government's mixed messages on energy policy. The Crisafulli government has committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and made it clear it backs pumped hydropower, wind and solar projects. But decisions to extend the life of publicly-owned coal-fired power stations beyond 2035, expand gas exploration and call in certain wind farm projects has raised concerns. The Queensland Conservation Council said the government had created "energy policy chaos", which was impacting large scale renewable energy investment. "The Queensland government is all over the shop on energy right now," campaigner Stephanie Gray said. "All of this sends chaotic signals to investors and basically it sends the signal that investors should take their money to other states. "If we're not building new energy supply, it means that we're not managing power bills, we're not bringing down emissions and critically, it means we're not doing the planning to make sure the renewable roll out benefits nature and communities." A recent member survey by industry body, the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC), found low levels of confidence in current state government policies regarding investment certainty. About 26 per cent of respondents "strongly disagreed" with the statement that the Queensland government's policy settings effectively promoted investment certainty in renewables. Thirty-three per cent "disagreed" and 35 per cent were "neutral" in response to the statement. More than 45 members took part in the survey with more than a third identifying as renewable energy developers and operators. QREC chief executive Katie-Anne Mulder said two surveys had been conducted since last September and the results showed a drop in positive sentiment regarding investment certainty. "So what do investors need — they need clarity on what is the road map for Queensland, where do renewables sit in that, as well as to be really clear, what's the role of coal-fired power?" She said. "I think we all acknowledge we need a responsible transition, but what does that mean in terms of the time frames for shutting down the coal fired power stations? "An investor — whether it be domestic or international — they're going to be looking at those time frames because they want to ensure they have a strong market signal for long term investment in Queensland." Energy Minister David Janetzki rejected that the state government wasn't being clear with its energy policies in regards to renewables. "I think our energy position is actually clear," he said at a press conference in Toowoomba last Friday. "We want to bring communities along in relation to those renewable projects, but I send clear messages as energy minister that I want to see more investment, particularly from the private sector into renewables projects. "There are significant projects that are necessary and on the books with respect to renewables." He pointed to the CopperString transmission line project in north-west Queensland, proposed wind farm projects in Hughenden and the Borumba pumped hydro project near Gympie. Mr Janetzki is working on a five-year energy road map to chart the state's path to net zero which is due for release by the end of the year. It's a document widely anticipated by the energy sector with the plan expected to detail what renewable energy mix the state will need to reach net zero and when coal-fired power stations could close. The former Labor government previously committed to ending reliance on state-owned coal fired power generators by 2035 — and proposed turning them into renewable energy hubs. But Premier David Crisafulli made it clear during the election campaign in October, an LNP government would continue to keep coal generators running for longer. State-owned clean energy company CleanCo chief executive Tom Metcalfe said there would come a time when the state's coal-fired power stations would need to be wound down. "But eventually as we think of the energy transition and as the coal units come to the end of their lives, we need to have a plan." CleanCo runs the state's only operating pumped hydro power station at Wivenhoe Dam near Brisbane. The LNP has flagged gas will play a key role with coal as the state transitions to lower carbon emissions, and wants to tap into the state's vast gas reverses. Gas exploration and generation will be expanded, and additional projects such as a gas peaker at Kogan Creek and two gas-fired generation projects are being progressed by CleanCo and Stanwell. Before the state election last October, the LNP pledged to scrap legislated renewable energy targets — to reach 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. Earlier this year, Mr Janetzki tasked the newly-established Queensland Productivity Commission to review energy policy, productivity and emissions by September 1. It will review the Clean Economy and Jobs Bill and Renewable Transformation Act — which includes the state's three emissions reduction targets. The LNP says the state has already met the target to cut emissions by 30 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, and remains committed to reach net zero by 2050. But that means the target of reducing carbon emissions by 75 per cent by 2035 is in doubt. Ms Gray said if the state government ditched emissions targets, it would be breaking an election promise to Queensland voters. "The Crisafulli government was elected after they showed bipartisan support for Queensland's emission reduction targets, and what we're seeing right now is them walk away from those commitments," she said. "It would be really disappointing for the Crisafulli government to break their promise to Queenslanders and if they keep going down this track, they won't be able to meet either emission reduction target." Adding to the uncertainty has been recent planning law changes to wind farm developments and a number of projects being called in by the planning minister Jarrod Bleijie. The changes — introduced in February — require wind farm development applications to be subject to impact assessments, therefore requiring statutory public consultation and third party appeal rights. In May, the Moonlight Range Wind Farm proposal in central Queensland was axed by Mr Bleijie, citing a lack of community consultation, limited worker accommodation availability and environmental impacts. Changes to planning laws are also being considered by a parliamentary committee, which could make it harder for any renewable energy project to apply for state approvals such as requiring a social impact assessment and a community agreement with local councils. Ms Mulder said since the law changes there had been no new wind farm project applications in Queensland. "Investors like to see really clear goal posts, what's the assessment process look like," she said. "At the moment there's a bit of wash going through, where we're not quite clear on what the end product looks like, is this the end of reforms for the sector? Or halfway through? … So it's a little up in the air for our members at the moment." Ms Mulder said the changes before parliament would also impact renewable projects given the work needed to complete the assessments and council agreements. "If this bill goes through, there's no doubt that there will be delays to projects that I would expect would be upwards of 12 months," she said. Mr Janetzki said it was important renewable energy projects had community confidence and support before being approved. "Those reforms are all about getting that community consultation right, impact accessible must be part of that," he said last Friday. "In the same way that any large scale project seeks community responses and consultation, it's appropriate it be done for renewable projects too, so that's what that bill is all about delivering." Grattan Institute's energy and climate change program director Tony Wood said it was clear during the state election the LNP was going to reshape Queensland's energy plan if it won government. He said the sector expected the uncertainty to be clarified at the end of year, once the road map was released. "I think right now there's a lot of messiness, it can be resolved, and I'm hoping it will be resolved by the government. "But in the short term, all the things that we're referring to, make it uncertain, unclear, impose more risks, risks mean more delays, more delays mean more cost."
Herald Sun
2 days ago
- Herald Sun
Administrator blasts CFMEU over potentially illegal protest across Brisbane CBD
CFMEU's wild Qld history Editor: Public hissy fit beyond a joke CFMEU administrator Mark Irving has ordered members involved in a protest that shut down Brisbane CBD this morning to 'return to work' amid fears it could last for days. Surprise CFMEU protests have sprung up across Brisbane city in response to the High Court's refusing to overturn the militant union's federal government takeover. Hundreds of union members are gathered at multiple sites, blocking intersections and causing major traffic delays. Mr Irving KC has since directed all members to halt the potentially illegal protest and return to work. 'The High Court decision is final,' he said. 'I have advised staff and members that any action this morning is likely to be unlawful industrial action, and I have directed them to return to work. 'I urge everyone to stay calm and focus on getting on with the job. It is time for all members, delegates and staff to work together to return the Union to membership control.' It is understood the CFMEU plans to strike for several days. The Courier-Mail has been told workers walked off the job across all building sites in the city including 360 Queen St, Waterfront Place at Eagle Street and the Performing Arts Centre. There is a clause in CFMEU enterprise agreements that allows members to partake in surprise strike action for two-hours without prior notice. However, under the current administration, Mr Irving would have needed to authorise this type of action. The protest activity is therefore unlawful and not protected under the Fair Work Act. Individual employees can now deduct a minimum of four hours of pay for each member who has participated in the strike. If unlawful strike action continues for days, consequences for members will be at the discretion of employers. Property Council of Australia executive director Jess Caire said Queensland could not afford extended unprotected strike action. 'Unprotected industrial action is leaving workers unpaid, bringing construction, including major projects and residential sites to a standstill, causing a massive loss of momentum and ultimately delaying getting roofs over Queenslanders' heads at a time we can least afford it,' she said. A CFMEU source has refuted claims that the protests were organised by ousted leaders Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham. 'What those trying to link this to the removed leadership fail to grasp is that the CFMEU has always been a member-led union,' he said. 'That's the point missed by the ALP and the ACTU and exactly why the administration has been so fraught — you can't just remove or replace leaders and expect to seize control of the union and pretend to members that you can represent them.' He said members wanted to see the administration dismantled and the 21 sacked leaders, including Ravbar and Ingham, returned. 'The members are the union and right now, they're angry, they've had enough,' he said. 'Their elected representatives have now tried every proper channel to resolve this. 'Now the members are demanding their return and I suspect industry will now be picking up the tab for Labor's failed policy. But that's on them.' Mr Ingham told the crowd the High Court decision did not come as a surprise. 'We know that when we took that legal part of the campaign, it was always going to be an uphill battle,' he said. 'We decided it was a fight that we needed to have anyway…We've got to fight on all the fronts.' More than 200 CFMEU members were seen marching on Queen Street in the Brisbane city, while 500 protesters were in Bowen Hills. Major delays had also been reported across Fortitude Valley. Police had diverted traffic and confirmed Campbell Street, O'Connell Terrace and Hamilton Place were closed. Work on the state's largest infrastructure project Cross River Rail has been affected. CFMEU-aligned workers have walked off the job to join the mammoth protest. It comes after the former CFMEU boss Michael Ravbar lost a High Court appeal to overturn the forced administration of the militant union following an eight-month legal challenge. The decision was slammed by Mr Ravbar, but celebrated by the state government, with a statement saying the decision had validated pausing BPIC on state infrastructure projects. The protest against the administration has been orchestrated from the inside. Members are standing with Mr Ravbar. It is not yet clear how long the protest will last. Individual worksites will determine no pay conditions for the pop up strike. The administration became aware of the protests about 7am Thursday. Union members chanted 'stand up, fight back', 'we'll never be defeated' and 'Our union, fight back.' Queensland Police Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy said authorities were aware of the pop-up protests. 'The police will be in attendance and are in attendance here. It's about two things for us,' he said. 'It's about respecting everyone's right to protest, whether it's a pop up or a planned protest, and we'll facilitate that to occur safely, but it's also about keeping the community safe at the same time and minimising the disruption on them. 'And my message to people this morning, commuters, people moving around the Valley, is be aware that this is occurring, be aware that we're trying to minimise that disruption, but this morning, we're going to need a little bit of patience. 'We're going to have a bit of a few delays on the road.' Mr Ravbar has been contacted for comment. Originally published as Administrator blasts CFMEU over potentially illegal protest across Brisbane CBD Read related topics: CFMEU
