Natural gas is Australia’s natural advantage

[hr]Written By Michael Bradley[hr]

Natural gas is not only a critical part of Australian life, but also an extraordinary driver of our nation’s future prosperity. To help explain this, last year APPEA launched the Our Natural Advantage campaign, which has been designed to be a wake-up call to politicians and Australian energy consumers.

Our Natural Advantage is highlighting the risks that threaten the industry’s capacity to deliver future jobs and investment, and shows what will be foregone if Australia’s next wave of gas projects fails to proceed.

More than $150 billion worth of energy and resource projects stalled in Australia last year. Another $150 billion worth of gas projects is currently being assessed by potential investors could be lost to this country. Australia cannot afford to forgo this investment.

Saying ‘no’ to natural gas development is not consequence-free. In fact, developing new supplies is absolutely critical if Australia wants to put downward pressure on energy prices, meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and bring on the next wave of Australia’s prosperity.

Australia has enormous potential supplies of natural gas, but if we don’t maintain our competitive advantage we will not see those resources developed, and Australia will lose jobs, cheaper energy, cleaner energy, and future tax revenues.

Australia’s natural gas industry created an estimated 100,000 jobs last year and is investing almost $200 billion in projects across the country. Despite these economic benefits, the oil and gas industry is faced with a long-running, highly organised and well-resourced campaign to stop nation-building resource projects across Australia.

The anti-gas campaign is not only based upon misinformation, but it is too often unchallenged, to the point where activism is determining public policy.

Policy should be driven by science, not fear campaigns. And now more than ever, activities designed to disrupt and delay future resource projects should be of concern to all who value jobs, investment, and new economic opportunities.

“Australia cannot afford to forgo further investment in natural gas projects.”

With North America and East Africa emerging as cost-competitive destinations for oil and gas exploration and development, industry and government must address Australia’s sliding competitiveness.

Australians have the capacity to influence their economic future and APPEA is asking them to get involved and support this country’s natural advantage.

Australia cannot afford to forgo further investment in natural gas projects. To find out more and support this campaign, go to www.ournaturaladvantage.com.au.