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14/07/0918,000 jobs and billions of $$s for exciting new LNG industry: Bligh
A liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry in Queensland could create more than 18,000 jobs and offer billions of investment, Premier Anna Bligh told today's Estimates Hearing in State Parliament.
"LNG is liquid gold when it comes to job-creation. Delivering on my election commitment has our planning creating an industry with more than 18,000 jobs," said the Premier.
"Seven of the current eight LNG proposals are based around Gladstone with one examining the potential of a medium size plant at Abbot Point, near Bowen.
"By our estimates the Mackay, Fitzroy and Central West regions are set to secure more than 14,100 jobs from this industry.
"The economic benefits from this new industry for this regional economy means it will grow by estimated 8.3%.
"The Downs and South West is to secure more than 4300 jobs.
"Economic benefits from this new industry means the Downs and South West's economy will grow by 4.4%.
"Growth of this nature in these regions is very exciting, especially knowing our State's current annual growth projection is for 0.5% and the nation is showing no growth
"The flow-ons across the region are obvious.
"This is similar to the growth and opportunities that occurred in Bowen Basin in the '70s and '80s and it could be replicated and on the Downs and South West too.
"Rapid development of the Surat and Bowen basins in the past few years means we can potentially have a high-range LNG export industry of 40 million tonnes a year as well as supplying domestic power stations until at least 2050.
"Modelling shows the LNG industry in 10 years could add more than $3 billion, or around 1%, to Gross State Product when it produces 28 million tonnes a year.
"This is an exciting time. We are on the cusp of something very special," she said.
Media contact: Premier's Office 07 3224 4500
Last Updated 03 November 2009
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