According to its latest data, the sector now employs 18,500 people after an increase of 7000 quarter on quarter.

While the industries are at different stages and there are LNG projects on the Queensland coast, APPEA took the opportunity to paint a contrast between NSW and Queensland.

“The economic story developing between NSW and Queensland couldn’t be more diametrically opposed,” APPEA chief executive David Byers said.

It said the NSW gas industry had only added a comparatively miniscule 39 positions during the quarter, up to 332.

In a timely data release, APPEA also mentioned in a note to media that the Queensland industry contributed an additional $13.5 million to community projects in the last quarter and has now directly contributed $84 million to regional Queensland. This includes investment in rescue aeromedical helicopters, hospitals, schools and sporting clubs.

By comparison, NSW CSG community contributions for the last quarter were $85,000, bringing total contributions to $550,000.

The release was more than likely drafted to put pressure on the NSW government at a time when it is believed to be finalising the provisions of the Strategic Regional Land Use Plan, which will designate zones where extra CSG approvals will be needed.

“Further delay in finalising the policy framework could jeopardise future investment in developing NSW’s gas resources,” Byers said.

“NSW currently imports around 95 per cent of its gas from interstate despite the potential for ample reserves to be accessed through further exploration and production.”

This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication EnergyNewsBulletin.net.