Coal Seam Gas Not an Option at this Time

October 7, 2005

Coal Seam Gas Not an Option at this Time

Queensland Gas Company has made no submission to Toowoomba City Council regarding water, and at this stage, cannot confirm whether or not a submission will be made in the future for the supply of water to Toowoomba.

QGC’s prime focus will be supply of water to the shires of Murilla and Chinchilla.

This was confirmed at a meeting between the Managing Director of Queensland Gas Company, Richard Cottee and Council this morning (Friday, 7 October 2005).

Toowoomba City Council Mayor, Councillor Dianne Thorley said that she appreciated Mr Cottee taking the time to meet with her to clarify the factual situation with regards to Queensland Gas Company and coal seam gas.

"We have to date, and will continue to investigate any and all options presented to Council to assist us with meeting our current and future water supply challenges," Councillor Thorley said.

Mr Cottee said QGC would meet again with Council at the end of October to discuss whether or not they might be in a position to put forward a proposal.

"Having said that, I can't see why our two projects need to be mutually exclusive," Mr Cottee said.

“I certainly don't see any proposal from QGC as being in competition to the Council’s Water Futures project.

Mr Cottee went on to say that he would like to place on record that there may be between 3,000 and 5,000 megalitres per year available at some time in the future, but not 350,000 megalitres as recently incorrectly reported in the media.