Departure of Gladstone LNG Cargo Start of Australia's Transition into a Major Energy Supplier

The departure on Monday of the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker from Queensland’s Gladstone Harbour marks the start of Australia’s dramatic transition to being the world’s largest supplier of this critically important energy source, industry body Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) said Tuesday.

The shipment marks the completion of Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) – the first of three Queensland CSG-to-LNG export projects to be commissioned. Queensland Curtis LNG is now Australia’s fourth operating LNG project. Another six projects – representing a total investment of more than $180 billion – are still under development.

“The first Queensland LNG cargo represents an historic milestone, not only for the state of Queensland, but for all the people who have worked so hard throughout the past five years to make this enormous project a reality. Successive state and federal governments, local councils, agricultural bodies and community representatives have shown leadership to realise the emergence of this multi-billion dollar industry,” APPEA Chief Executive David Byers said. “Thousands of jobs have been created, regional communities have been renewed, and a long term stream of royalties will flow to the State, which will benefit all Queenslanders.”

The Queensland Government forecasts that in 2015-16 LNG production will underpin a surge in exports to boost economic growth by 5.75%.

 “And because natural gas is a much cleaner-burning fuel than traditional energy sources, exporting gas to places such as China and India is among the most meaningful contributions Australia can make to reducing global greenhouse emissions,” Byers said.