Surat Basin non–resident workforce slides

The non–resident population estimate for the energy-rich Surat Basin dropped by about three per cent, or 110 people, between June 2023 and June 2024. The latest report from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office put the number of fly-in/fly-out and drive-in/drive-out workers on shift in the region at the time of counting last year at 3645 people, compared to a resident population of 233,820. It found the overall change in the region’s non-resident population in 2023–24 was due largely to reduced numbers in Maranoa, as gas industry activity moderated from unusually high levels in June 2023. This decrease more than outweighed non-resident population growth in Western Downs, which was driven by increased construction activity at CSG (coal seam gas) and renewable energy projects. In June 2024, around three-quarters of non-resident workers in the Surat Basin stayed in worker accommodation villages while on-shift (2695 people or 74 per cent). The remainder stayed in other accommodation such as hotels/motels and caravan parks. The CSG sector continues to provide most of the Surat Basin region’s resource employment, with three large CSG-to-LNG projects and smaller gas companies engaged in operations and development. Coal mines, power stations and renewable energy projects also contribute to resource industry activity in the region. Significant gas industry activity in 2023–24: Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) reported an increase of 3 per cent in annual production. Strong field performance enabled deferral of exploration and drilling activities. Santos Gladstone LNG (GLNG) reported continued growth in production from upstream fields in the first half of 2024. Production at Scotia field in Western Downs continued to exceed expectations, while operational efficiencies delivered increased production and lower operating costs at Roma field. Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) commenced work in May 2024 on a new set of onshore natural gas wells to supply domestic and export customers, with approximately 138 newly planned gas wells to be drilled and connected in the Western Downs region In June 2024, Senex Energy announced plans to proceed with a $1 billion-plus expansion of its Atlas and Roma North gas developments Arrow Energy continued to develop the Surat Gas Project South area near Dalby, with 250 wells in production by June 2024. ADZ Energy and Denison also maintained their gas operations in the Surat Basin In the Western Downs area, renewable energy project activity continued with projects including Wambo wind farm construction, Kogan Clean Energy Hub, Ulinda Park BESS and Western Downs Battery. Several renewable energy projects in the region which were under development in 2023 were operational by mid-2024: Blue Grass Solar Farm, Columboola Solar Farm, Dalby Hybrid Power Plant, Dulacca Wind Farm, Edenvale Solar Park, Wandoan South Solar Project and Western Downs Green Power Hub. In the Surat Basin in 2023–24, New Acland mine produced, railed and sold its first coal following the restart of operations. Production from Wilkie Creek mine was suspended in January 2024 following the appointment of receivers and manager. You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/bowen-basin-fifo-dido-workforce-swells/

Surat Basin non–resident workforce slides

Industry Queensland

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