Australian Syngas Association Supports Government Action

Australian Syngas Association calls for the Qld Government to ensure a level playing field when it comes to CSG and UCG Compliance

The Australian Syngas Association (ASA) says it fully supports the Queensland Government's immediate action to appoint an independent body to investigate traces of hydrocarbon chemicals reportedly found in coal seam gas wells in the Surat Basin, in southern Queensland.

Former Queensland government Attorney General and new ASA Executive Director Paul Clauson said he commended the swift and decisive action by the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Ms Kate Jones, to appoint an independent service provider to assess and investigate the reported detection of chemicals known as BTEX at eight exploration wells being developed by Australia Pacific LNG around Miles on the Western Downs of Queensland.

"It is reassuring to see that the Queensland Government has now adopted an attitude of due care and attention to these issues on the back of the confrontational approach taken by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) towards Cougar Energy at its Kingaroy site some months ago," Mr Clauson said.

Cougar Energy's Kingaroy Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) plant was shut down in July this year amid similar reported contamination concerns.

"The issues with Cougar are still not resolved with DERM seeking further information," he said.

Mr. Clauson said he wanted reassurance from the State Government that companies across all gas industries were being treated in a similar and consistent manner as they moved forward to commerciality.

"These industries are a significant employer of local skilled and unskilled workers and form an important role in supporting and developing a safer energy outcome for this nation," Mr Clauson said.

ENDS

Interview contact details:
ASA Executive Director
Paul Clauson
0412 765 126

SOURCE: Australian Syngas Association