In a presentation which focused on the pipeline industry’s place in the economy, Mr McBride commented that domestic gas prices linked to LNG export prices, result in uncertainty, cost pressures, shortages and further issues.
In terms of the state economy, the net state debt of $A5.1 billion is set to rise to $A9.8 billion in 2015-16, 55 per cent of all projected state revenue for that period.
In dealing with these issues, Mr McBride emphasised that the pipeline industry cannot ignore the power of online when dealing with customer, staff and other stakeholders and also noted the changing business models involved in the industry with gas transport, infrastructure investment and increased demand provide additional challenges.