“This decision means projects can move forward without delay. Together industry and government had been looking for a way to ensure domestic gas supply while also supporting LNG investment opportunities, and we’ve now found it,” Ms Bligh said.

“We want to create a business environment that allows the LNG proponents, which are contemplating more that $A40 billion of investment, the opportunity to proceed and develop their projects in Queensland. I now expect proponents to move quickly to see this industry get underway.”

Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser said that all developments would undergo ‘rigorous’ environmental approval processes.

In addition, the Queensland Government will appoint a gas commissioner within the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation to provide a focal point for LNG industry development and for industries seeking to secure gas contracts within Queensland.

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The Australian Petroleum and Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement as a “win for Queensland’s gas consumers, natural gas investment and robust public policy”.

APPEA Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said “The Queensland Government has demonstrated its commitment to the long-term development of a home-grown natural gas industry, delivering cleaner energy to Queensland, the east coast of Australia and the rest of the world.”

Meanwhile, Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche has congratulated the Queensland Government on adopting ‘a balanced domestic gas supply policy’.

“The Government’s decision to reserve areas of land for future domestic gas production if needed represents a significant boost in realising maximum benefit from Queensland’s world class coal seam gas reserves.”