Australia: More LNG Benefits for Qld

July 20, 2012

People living and working in Gladstone, Western Downs and Maranoa areas will gain from a $200 million plan for significant social and community benefits in the regions.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Queensland Coordinator-General had approved the region’s third social impact management plan for the Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) project operated by ConocoPhillips/Origin/Sinopec.

“The state’s LNG industry is on the cusp of a boom that will fundamentally reshape our economy,” Mr Seeney said.

“How we manage that boom and the environmental, social and economic impacts will be crucial for generations to come.

“This plan will ensure local communities have genuine opportunities to share in the project benefits and the social investment will lead to better services and improved infrastructure.

“It will also assist those communities impacted by resource developments to identify and adjust to the social changes occurring as a result of the emergence of this new industry.”

Mr Seeney said the plan addressed the social impacts on housing, employment, training, health and community services.

“It’s a comprehensive road map for the life of the project.”

Mr Seeney said highlights in the plan included:

$27.8 million set aside for affordable housing in Gladstone, Western Downs and Maranoa regions
$15 million currently for community infrastructure and services, including $4.5 million to boost Gladstone and Roma airports
$6.2 million for maritime safety and state and council road upgrades in Gladstone.

“APLNG has worked with the government to develop a local industry participation plan that has so far generated $1.95 billion worth of contracts for Queensland-based businesses,” he said.

“It has already started meeting its commitments, with today’s agreement formalising the local benefits for years to come.

“This APLNG Social Impact Management Plan is a very good example of where project proponents can develop and implement best practice approaches to manage the impacts of major projects.”

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LNG World News Staff, July 20, 2012; Image: APLNG