SOME of the major players in Australia's gas industry will be in Toowoomba tomorrow to lift the veil on their projects and the opportunities that exist for the region's businesses.
The GasFields Commission's flagship event - the GasFields Communiy Leaders Council meeting - will bring to the table senior management from the major onshore gas proponents, local government, state government, local business and agricultural leaders.
The focal point of this event will be presentations by the major proponents on the way forward for creating greater opportunities for local businesses to service the onshore gas industry.
Commission Chairman John Cotter advises that the senior management of the major onshore gas proponents will present information on future opportunities for local businesses as the industry transitions from construction to production.
The Commission had formally requested the major proponents to provide full information on workforce number projections and locations; potential work packages over the next 12 months; and how local business should approach this next phase.
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Mr Cotter said the key concern for local business is the apparent lack of information or advice presently coming from the proponents about what this next phase of production will look like and what it could mean for their businesses.
Mr Cotter said the gas industry transition comes at the same time as the agricultural industry is facing extremely tough conditions due to the prolonged drought.
He said it has been a double-whammy for those local businesses that service both these two industries in the Surat Basin, putting pressure on financial returns and staff numbers.
Commissioner Shane Charles, Commissioner for Community and Business, who works in the community to maximise opportunities for local businesses said that while many local businesses from across the Surat Basin have benefited from the intensive construction phase of recent years, many of these same businesses are now experiencing a significant slowdown as these projects are completed.
"Local businesses in Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles or Roma recognise that the construction phase wouldn't last forever, but they need greater clarity and detail if they are to adjust their businesses to meet some of the long term opportunities with the onshore gas industry," he said.
The event will be held at the Toowoomba City Golf Club from noon today.
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