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Queensland’s Surat Basin may be home to the state’s main coal seam gas region but it could be about to get a whole lot bigger. Senex Energy, which is owned by Gina Rinehart ‘s Hancock Energy and South Korean steel maker Posco, has announced a $1 billion expansion of its natural gas developments in the Surat Basin, which includes hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
The expansion, which still needs approval from federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, will increase the company’s gas production to 60 petajoules (PJ) per year from the end of 2025. Producing enough electricity to power more than 2.7 million homes each year, it is equivalent to more than 10 per cent of the east coast’s annual domestic gas requirements.

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has called for more Queensland gas fields to be unlocked. Queensland gas is a “natural ally” of renewables and will support the addition of more intermittent energy, the minister told a business audience in Brisbane on Thursday. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart is partnering with South Korean steel giant POSCO, co-owners of Senex after a buyout this year, to expand gas in the Surat Basin. Senex will deliver 60 petajoules of gas each year to support demand from the east coast market, when the expansion of the Atlas and Roma North projects is complete. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association acting chief executive Damian Dwyer said it was a “massive” project, with 60 PJ equivalent to the electricity used by more than 2.7 million homes each year.

Senex Energy Ltd., controlled by Posco and billionaire Gina Rinehart, will invest A$1 billion ($707 million) to produce more natural gas in Queensland amid concerns from Australian authorities over a potential shortfall of the fuel. “The recent electricity crisis proved natural gas is critical to providing secure and reliable energy for Australians, and is needed to underpin renewables and replace aging coal generation,” Senex Chief Executive Officer Ian Davies said in the statement.

South Korean steel maker Posco will partner with Gina Rinehart to pump more gas into the domestic market with a $1 billion coal seam expansion, as the Albanese government insists the fuel is vital to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. With work set to begin in coming weeks, one of Australia’s biggest Asian energy allies and Ms Rinehart’s Hancock Energy aim to lift annual production at their jointly owned Queensland Senex venture in the Surat Basin to 60 petajoules within two years. Senex says the investment, which still needs approval by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, will create more than 200 construction jobs at its Atlas and Roma North projects, and help close a looming shortfall in domestic gas supplies that the competition regulator said this month could reach more than 56 petajoules, or 10 per cent of forecast 2023 demand.

Cody Simpson’s swimming career is just going from strength to strength. The singer-turned-swimmer has been rewarded for his impressive showing at the Commonwealth Games with a spot on Australia’s squad for this month’s Duel in the Pool against the USA. “Thanks all. Ready to go back to work, keep improving on my individual events and perhaps explore new territory. “I’m honoured to represent Australia and represent all the kids who decide to walk steadfastly in the direction their dreams, it’s never too late!”

THE Diamonds physical win over Jamaica has created history — winning Australia’s 1000th gold medal and creating Commonwealth Games history. It was almost a case of history repeating itself with Diamonds going into the final break with a six-goal lead. Everyone was on the edge of their seats — even the substitutes from both teams were on their feet. With the Jamaican crowd subdued, the cries of ‘let’s go Aussies” could finally be heard — and the tears from the Diamonds could flow.

As the sun set on the final day of what was a remarkable Games for Australia, the athletes let their hair down — to catch a spectacular finale that featured iconic artists from the host nation and some from a bit closer to home. The host nation were the final team to enter, greeted by a huge roar from a packed and feverish crowd before the figurative baton was passed on to Australia.It was the perfect end to a dominant Games, where Australia comfortably topped the medal count, with 67 gold medals, 57 silver and 54 bronze. In doing so, Australia also passed the momentous 1000 goldmedal landmark.

9 August 2022

8 August 2022.