Tuesday 17 March 2026
The Federal Government has approved a giant expansion of coal seam gas in Queensland that will drain billions of litres of water, threaten food security and escalate climate disasters.
Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG), a joint venture of Origin Energy, Conocophillips, and Sinopec, has been given federal approval to drill 1700 gas wells across inland Queensland, dramatically expanding an industry that has already damaged vast areas of land. APLNG is still seeking approval from the Queensland government.
Lock the Gate National Coordinator Ellen Roberts said: “We’ve already seen Queensland’s landscapes scarred by more than 16,000 coal seam gas wells, and this project will make life less secure for Queenslanders in many ways. APLNG exports over 75% of their gas, driving up gas prices for Australians while destroying Queensland’s land and water. Enough is enough.
“Export gas companies like Origin Energy in Queensland already produce far more gas than we use. This project isn’t about Australia’s energy security, it’s about boosting and prolonging the profits of multinational gas exporters.
“Australians can see through the lies of governments acting on behalf of gas lobbyists and political donors. We don’t need more fossil fuel projects to keep the lights on, we need to decrease gas exports while we expedite the rollout of clean, renewable energy.
“This week the ACTU called for a 25% levy on gas exports, reflecting how frustrated Australians are with the gas export rort.”
Tara landholder and local business owner Gayle Porter, whose property is under an Origin petroleum lease said: “The prime agricultural land and water of the Western Downs is one of our nation’s precious resources, and it shouldn’t be harmed for the profits of multinational companies.
“As a long-term resident, I’ve already seen the damage that the coal seam gas industry has inflicted on our community and land. Local ponds that were once healthy ecosystems are now a stinking mess. I stand firmly against the 700 proposed gas wells near Tara.”
To arrange interviews, contact ellen@lockthegate.org.au or 0408 583 694.
ENDS