Queensland’s natural gas industry contributed $127 billion to the state economy while supporting nearly 60,000 jobs in its first decade of LNG exports, economic analysis commissioned by Australian Energy Producers has found.
The Economic Impact of Queensland Natural Gas and LNG 2014–24 report, by Lawrence Consulting, found the industry directly spent $58.6 billion in Queensland over the last decade, including $42.5 billion with more than 3,000 local businesses, community groups and charities.
Australian Energy Producers Queensland Director Keld Knudsen said the findings reaffirmed the gas industry is a key driver of Queensland’s economic prosperity and energy security.
“As Queensland’s natural gas industry celebrates the significant milestone of a decade of LNG exports, it is worth reflecting how the industry has transformed Queensland’s economic and energy future,” Mr Knudsen said.
“This investment is paying dividends for all Queenslanders, delivering reliable and affordable energy for millions of homes and businesses, while unlocking billions of dollars each year in economic activity and government revenue to help fund the essential services and infrastructure our communities rely on.”.
Key findings of the sector’s contribution in the period 2014-24 include:
- $127 billion added to Queensland’s Gross State Product
- $58.6 billion spent across Queensland over the decade which comprised:
- $42.5 billion in spending with 3,178 businesses and 307 community groups
- $7.2 billion in payments to the Queensland Government
- $695 million paid to local councils
- $8.2 billion in wages to Queensland workers
Mr Knudsen said Queensland’s LNG export industry is an integral part of regional communities across the state, underpinning local jobs, businesses and services.
“Every LNG tanker that departs Gladstone represents around $4.5 million in royalties paid to the state, $11.2 million in spending with local businesses, and millions more in salaries, community contributions and taxes.”
“Long-term policy certainty is key to driving more investment in new gas supply and realising Queensland’s full potential for economic growth, job creation and energy security – this presents a significant opportunity for the Queensland Government as it finalises its energy roadmap in coming months,” Mr Knudsen said.
Beyond its state impact, Queensland’s gas industry is also a major contributor to the national economy, providing reliable energy for the east coast gas market and a large share of the $21.9 billion the Australian gas industry paid in Commonwealth and state taxes in 2024–25.
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