New Study to Unlock Potential of Bowen Basin Gas

The initial concept phase of the $5 million Bowen Basin pipeline study is underway in Queensland, investigating potential pipeline and infrastructure to improve the delivery of Bowen Basin gas to domestic and export markets.

Both the Queensland Government and Australian Government are each contributing $5 million towards the Bowen Basin pipeline study, which will occur in multiple phases. This first phase is a concept study of key initiatives that merit further detailed investigation.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart MP commented, “the resources industry is a key part of Queensland’s economy and will continue to be an essential part of delivering Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Stewart said.

“Gas is a major energy source for Queensland’s manufacturing sector, and we are always looking at ways to bring more of it to market. Additional gas infrastructure will provide new sources of supply, leading to more affordable gas and supporting jobs across our critical supply chain and industries.

“Just like we opened up the Surat Basin 10 years ago, the Bowen Basin has the potential to be a source of future gas projects and jobs for Queenslanders.”

Mr Stewart said the study will also analyse the potential amount of gas and sources of fugitive emissions in the area and determine the feasibility and best pathway for the infrastructure to achieve multiple benefits.

“This study will look at ways in which we can better capture fugitive emissions from the coal mines of the Bowen Basin and put them to use for things like power generation and manufacturing. This will not only bring additional gas to market but will also make a valuable contribution to Queensland’s transition to a low carbon economy.”

The Bowen Basin, which has traditionally focused on coal production, has the potential to bring more gas to Queensland’s domestic and export markets – by opening up areas for new gas production and capturing unutilised gas from underground mines.

If the study finds the pipeline project to be feasible, it could create more than 1,000 jobs during construction and would supercharge the opening up of gas production in the Bowen Basin, bringing many more jobs to the region.

For more information on the Bowen Basin pipeline study, visit: https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/mining-resources/initiatives/bowen-basin-pipeline

To view Minister for Resources – Hon Scott Stewart’s Media Statement, visit: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92488

What does this mean for landholders?

If you’re a landholder in the Surat, Galilee or Bowen basins and wish to know more about what to expect with gas field developments, the GasFields Commission (the Commission) strongly encourages you to download a copy of our flagship publication, The Gas Guide 2.0, to obtain all the information you need to negotiate a fair and reasonable outcome should a resource company request to operate on your land.

Gas Guide 2.0 catalogues pertinent information that landholders need to know about the various stages of petroleum and gas development in Queensland – beginning with the advertisement and awarding of new exploration tenders (see Chapter 3 – Exploration Phase).

If you have any questions regarding the exploration process, Queensland’s onshore gas industry or you would like to receive a hard copy (ring binder) of The Gas Guide 2.0, please contact us directly via:

• Web: Contact Form
• Phone: (07) 3067 9400
• Email: enquiries@gfcq.org.au

Who are the GasFields Commission Queensland?

Established as an independent statutory body in 2013, the Commission’s purpose is to manage and improve the sustainable coexistence of landholders, regional communities and the onshore gas industry in Queensland. The Commission manages sustainable coexistence in petroleum and gas producing regions of Queensland, and will continue to do so as the industry expands into new and emerging basins.

Our vision is to achieve thriving communities in areas of gas development that are free from discord and supported by well-informed, respectful and balanced stakeholder relationships.

One way the Commission is endeavouring to realise this vision is by providing transparency and independent assurances that the onshore gas industry is appropriately regulated and held to account when needed. This in turn will help cultivate sustainable coexistence, whilst ensuring community and landholder confidence in the regulators and gas industry increases.

Drawing on its wealth of experience in the development of the gas industry and by collaborating with other relevant entities, the Commission provides a range of support to communities and landholders, primarily through education and engagement. These education and engagement activities occur with individual landholders via Commission facilitated webinars, information sessions, publications (The Gas Guide, Shared Landscapes Reports), face-to-face meetings and public workshops.

It should be noted that the Commission does not engage in individual negotiations between landholders and gas companies, but rather provides communities and landholders with the information and support they need to make informed decisions and achieve good outcomes.