GEIDB Update
July 1st, 2010
Published in the Gladstone Observer
With the development of CSG-LNG industry continuing to build momentum in the Gladstone Region, Garry Scanlan has commenced a twelve month secondment with the Gladstone Ports Corporation as the LNG Contract Liaison Manager. While Garry is on secondment, I will be performing the role of Chief Executive Officer and continuing this monthly column to provide information and updates on the activities and initiatives of the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board, major project planning and approvals and the development of the Gladstone State Development Area. My family and I moved to Gladstone in January 2008 and have strong family ties within Central Queensland. I bring over 16 years experience in the Queensland public service to this position, including the last two years based in Gladstone as a Senior Officer of the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.
On 25 June 2010 the Evaluation Report on the QGC LNG proposed project was issued by the Coordinator-General, Colin Jensen. This is the second Queensland LNG project to have their evaluation report issued by the Coordinator-General, following last month’s Santos’ Gladstone LNG project report. The full 268 page report can be accessed at http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects/energy/gas/queensland-curtis-lng-project.html. The report assesses information supplied by the proponent in an EIS and SEIS and submissions from the public and other stakeholders and establishes strict conditions that are attached to any development approval. The report not only covers the proposed LNG facility in Gladstone but also the gas fields in the Surat Basin and the pipeline to Gladstone. Many of the conditions are similar in nature to those applied to the Santos Gladstone LNG project and seek to address issues of coordination and cumulative impacts. Coordination with other LNG proponents is conditioned with regard to transport logistics in Gladstone and on the harbour, pipeline corridor crossings at The Narrows and the cumulative impact of transport on roads. Other conditions relate to workers accommodation, housing, coal seam gas water management and ground water monitoring. QGC LNG is also the first proponent to complete a Social Impact Management Plan which is required to be finalised and submitted to the Coordinator General for approval. Other approvals are also required under various pieces of legislation administered by Federal and State government departments before the project can proceed and a Financial Investment Decision made by QGC LNG.
Queensland Energy Resources has commenced construction of a small scale Oil Shale Technology Demonstration Plant at Yarwun. The project has been designed to demonstrate the safe operation of a shale to liquids plant, with operations expected to commence by the end of 2010. The $100m project includes site refurbishment, construction of the technology demonstration plant, an oil upgrader, a contract mining operation and an administration and visitor centre which interested parties are invited to utilise upon completion. I encourage anyone interested in these and other projects to read the Coordinator General’s reports, attend community information sessions or visit company shop fronts/websites to better understand the major industry developments in the Gladstone Region.