Confirmation the $10 billion Arrow Energy's Surat Gas Project, in the State's south-west, will proceed into the first phase of development is a major boost in Queensland's economic recovery for COVID-19.
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the announcement today the project between Dalby and Wandoan would proceed was "good news when Queensland needed it most".
"The loss of jobs across Queensland in the COVID-19 response has been devastating."
"The resources sector has been at the forefront of slowing the spread of COVID-19. Our coal, metals and petroleum companies have been continuing to operate, invest, employ and export on behalf of all Queenslanders."
"The Arrow announcement is a long-term commitment and it could not have come at a better time for Queensland."
The first phase of the project would create 200-plus construction jobs, and provide additional business opportunities for local suppliers. The project, over all phases to 2046, would create up to 800 construction jobs and 200 permanent, operations jobs.
Mr Macfarlane said prior to COVID-19, the resources sector supported one in seven jobs in the Queensland workforce - or more than 372,000 jobs.
"The majority of companies are either maintaining their employment levels or anticipating a slight increase. Indeed, there are currently about 800 jobs in the Queensland resources, mining and energy sector advertised online with SEEK."
