Australia: “Ai Group welcomes the appointment of Ms Kay Gardiner as Queensland Gas Commissioner,” Ai Group Queensland Director Matthew Martyn-Jones said.
“Ms Gardiner has a track record of working well with industry and the community in the energy sector and more recently in her senior role at the Queensland Water Commission.
“In her new position she will face important challenges in Queensland’s emerging LNG industry and the development of the state’s gas market.
“The energy sector is vital to the state’s economy and LNG in particular has the potential to grow to become a multi-billion dollar industry providing tens of thousands of jobs directly and in the supply chain.
“In recent times there has been community concern about the development of the gas sector and industry would like these concerns dealt with in a sensible way to ensure investment stability.
“A key consideration for the new Gas Commissioner will be the ongoing issue of the longer-term concerns around supply, especially in the south east corner where infrastructure constraints have been raised by industry.
“The role played by the Gas Commissioner will be critical in providing a link between industry and stakeholders on issues including the development of sometimes sensitive energy fields, through to supply and pricing.
“Industry will be looking for government to work closely with the agricultural and resource sectors in regional communities, to achieve balanced outcomes.
“As well as ensuring there is a sensible discussion of these matters, the Gas Commissioner will also need to ensure we have in place a best practice regulatory framework that supports continued energy development.
“Exploitation of Queensland’s gas reserves is an enormous economic opportunity for both the state and Australia, and has the potential to contribute strongly to cleaner energy production.
“A responsible and considered approach from government will help ensure the future supply of gas for commercial and residential users in Queensland and foster the development of a competitive LNG industry,” Mr Martyn-Jones said.
Source: http://www.aigroup.com.au/
