Australian Oil, Gas Body Welcomes Government Step to Reduce Red tape

Australia’s oil and gas industry body Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) has welcomed Wednesday’s announcement from the Federal Government to establish a framework for a ‘one-stop-shop’ to streamline environmental approvals processes.

On Wednesday, the Federal Government announced it has approved the framework to streamline environmental approvals and said ‘one-stop-shop’ will slash red tape and increase jobs and investment, whilst maintaining environmental standards.

APPEA Chief Executive David Byers said that unnecessary and duplicative regulation continues to cause frustration and imposes costs on industry, the community and individuals.

“Industry supports strong environmental standards, based on scientific assessment and high levels of regulatory certainty. With more than $200 billion being invested in LNG projects now under construction, a more efficient regulatory approvals process is vitally important amid growing competition overseas,” Byers said

By 2020, the oil and gas sector is forecast to contribute more than $65 billion a year to the Australian economy and almost $13 billion in tax revenue.

“More projects are on the drawing board, and addressing barriers such as green tape, will help industry to deliver the next generation of economy building LNG projects,” he said.

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