Michael Choi, a qualified engineer, said that the pipeline industry would make a major contribution to the development of Queensland’s coal seam gas industry, both in transporting the gas for domestic industries and to the coast for LNG export.

To this end, the Queensland Government is developing a gas superhighway between Callide and Gladstone.

“The Bligh Government has committed $30 million to acquire land for a common-use pipeline corridor that can be used by companies planning to transport gas to Curtis Island, Gladstone, for liquefaction and export,” said Mr Choi.

“Up to 450 km of individual pipelines will feed into the 70 km long, 200 m wide superhighway.

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“The superhighway will minimise the waste and cumulative impacts, which would otherwise occur if individual pipelines were built along their own dedicated routes. It also provides maximum efficiency for industry.

“Having such effective and efficient pipeline infrastructure in place will be vital to the economic success of Queensland’s emerging LNG industry.”

Mr Choi said that the pipeline industry – and APIA’s members – will play a vital role in the development of the LNG industry. Pipeline construction would see between 400 and 600 people employed in regional Queensland over a 12–18 month construction period, with flow-on benefits to regional communities.

Mr Choi also said that effective gas pipeline infrastructure will be essential to the maintenance and expansion of the local gas market.

“Gas-fired electricity generation is crucial to reducing Queensland’s overall carbon footprint. Gas represents an ideal transitional fuel source.

“It can effectively reduce the emissions footprint of electricity generation while still providing reliable base-load generation.

“Gas-fired power stations produce at least 50 kg fewer greenhouse gas emissions per megawatt hour of electricity produced compared with coal-fired electricity generators.

“Gas-fired electricity is half as emissions intensive as black coal-based power generation. Gas will remain at the forefront of Queensland’s greenhouse response for the next two decades as we move forward with the development of new low and zero-emission electricity generation technologies.”

Mr Choi also described the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland as a blueprint for the state’s future, outlining plans for Queensland up to 2020.

“Toward Q2 focuses on key challenges such as climate change, population growth, and global competition,” he said.

The plan for Queensland’s future includes creating a diverse economy, cutting carbon emissions, providing world class education and training, encouraging a healthy lifestyle for the population, and providing support for those in need.

In regard to reducing carbon emissions, Mr Choi pointed to the Queensland Gas Scheme, which has seen a significant increase in the use of natural gas for electricity generation.

“Under the scheme, 13 per cent of the state’s total electricity must be derived from gas-fired power generators, increasing to 15 per cent in 2010 with the option of a further increase to 18 per cent.”

Mr Choi said the pipeline industry had already contributed to facilitating Queensland’s growth and it would continue to do so.

“The Queensland Government – as providers of crucial infrastructure– looks forward to continuing to work with Australia’s pipeline industry to realise our Q2 goal of making Queensland Australia’s strongest economy.”