The peak body representing the gas industry says today’s NSW Budget has served to highlight the important role the coal seam gas (CSG) industry will play in rebuilding the State’s financial position and achieving the job creation target set by the Government.
The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) says that new investment by the CSG industry will be critical to the NSW Government achieving its goal of “ restoring NSW’s position as the engine room of the Australian economy. ”
APPEA’s Chief Operating Officer for Eastern Australia, Rick Wilkinson , said: “ The CSG industry offers enormous potential economic benefits to NSW .
“ In Queensland, the annual royalties from CSG will soon be worth $850 million per annum, and the industry provides employment for more than 5,000 people. NSW is on a path to securing similar jobs growth, economic opportunity and an additional source of future revenue to pay for infrastructure, education, health and police .
“ This Budget is a stark reminder that the Government needs new sources of job creation and revenue if it is to avoid substantial increases in taxes and charges. CSG represents the opportunity to build a new industry that will provide thousands of jobs, millions in royalties, and real opportunities for struggling rural communities .”
APPEA this week launched a major information campaign focussing on the investment, jobs, environmental benefits, and enormous opportunities that the CSG industry generates.
“ This campaign marks the re-emergence of a fact-based energy security debate in Australia and gives voice to the many Australians who want new jobs, cleaner energy, and the revitalisation of regional communities ”, Mr Wilkinson said.
For an initial period of 4-5 weeks, the ‘We want CSG’ campaign will highlight how:
• The CSG industry can help fund the new services and infrastructure needed throughout NSW in the decades ahead.
• Using more gas can help reduce global CO2 emissions;
• Regional communities are thriving thanks to the CSG industry;
•Gas production has a much smaller footprint than other energy sources; and,
• The CSG industry can and does co-exist with other industries.
[mappress] Source: APPEA, September 6, 2011;