Federal Government approves massive new Queensland gas project despite climate and biodiversity commitments

The Albanese Government has just approved a major new domestic and export gas project in Queensland, allowing the Australia Pacific LNG Project gas field to proceed.

The approval enables the development of up to 1,695 gas wells and approximately 1,545 kilometres of gas and water pipelines.

Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA) has condemned the decision, describing it as both hypocritical and environmentally destructive.

EnvA Director Dr Coral Rowston said the approval comes at a significant cost to Australia’s already declining biodiversity.

“The federal government has just given the nod to the clearing of more than 800 hectares of koala habitat, over 400 hectares of greater glider habitat, and hundreds of hectares of threatened vegetation communities.

“This is despite its commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and prevent new extinctions.

“Koalas and greater gliders are already struggling to survive. Approving new coal and gas projects continues to destroy and fragment their habitat, while worsening the climate impacts that are pushing these species closer to extinction.”

The project is expected to generate up to 9 million tonnes of emissions during gas extraction, and more than 110 million tonnes when the gas is ultimately burned.

“The government says it is serious about cutting climate pollution, yet it continues to approve new coal and gas developments. This is the 36th fossil fuel project approved in recent years,” Dr Rowston said.

“This project is approved until 2081 — more than three decades after Australia is supposed to reach net zero emissions.”

EnvA also rejected claims that new gas supply is needed for the energy transition.

“There is no gas shortage in Australia. The real issue is that excessive exports are driving up domestic prices,” Dr Rowston said.

“Approving more export gas will only make energy more expensive for Australians.”

“The current global fuel crisis should be a wake-up call. Australia should be accelerating investment in renewable energy — a secure, affordable source that isn’t exposed to global market shocks.”