Lock the Gate Alliance has demanded a cost-benefit analysis be undertaken on the coal seam gas (CSG) industry in light of the Queensland government’s misleading statements about its benefits.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Anthony Lynham claims the industry will keep energy costs down, and promote jobs and economic development.
“The Queensland Government is being hood-winked by the greedy mining giants into thinking there’s a gas shortage and the industry needs propping up to protect jobs and keep prices down,” Lock the Gate spokesperson Drew Hutton said.
“Nothing could be further from the truth and that’s why we need an honest and independent cost-benefit analysis.
“Mining companies here should be forced to provide gas cheaply to domestic industry because there is already in abundance and because of the adverse impacts it is having in rural and regional communities.
“CSG mining is not clean, not safe and not necessary. Australia must embrace renewable energy to save our farming land, our water, health and communities.”
The facts are:
- At least 70% of gas produced will be exported. Australian CSG exporters are creating an artificial shortage because they are running short on supplies from Qld CSG gasfields to meet their export contracts.
- Shortfalls on export contracts will result in domestic gas supplies being redirected overseas, causing increased domestic gas prices.
- This year, gas bills increased by up to $162/yr for households and $625/yr for businesses.
- Wholesale gas prices will triple, causing up to 100,000 direct manufacturing jobs to be lost.