Australia Pacific Wins Government Approval

Australia Pacific LNG has received approval by the Australian federal government to proceed with its investment in liquefied natural gas production on Curtis Island.

The $US35 billion project in Queensland is a 50:50 joint venture between ConocoPhillips and Origin Energy Ltd.

The project was approved by Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke with strict environmental conditions, but ultimately clears the way for a final investment decision.

“After a rigorous assessment, which sought the advice of experts and included public consultation, I have concluded that the APLNG project can go ahead without unacceptable impacts on matters protected under national environment law,” Mr Burke said.

“While I have considered the significant economic benefits of this project, my focus has been on protecting environmental matters of national significance through strict conditions that will minimise any potential environmental impacts.”

The project involves converting coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the Surat Basin and Bowen Basin, building a 450 km transmission pipeline and the construction of a LNG facility near Gladstone.