bligh gives green light to ucg, page-11

** New jobs expected after Surat mine dispute resolved **

The Queensland Government says it expects thousands of new job opportunities to be created in regional Queensland after it resolved a stalemate between rival sections of the mining industry.

The groups had been competing for tenures in the Surat Basin in southern Queensland for eight months.

Mines Minister Geoff Wilson says one group wanted to mine for natural gas but the other planned to burn the coal and gas to produce energy.

"We've designed a policy that will allow both to happen but in different areas of the state," he said.

"So we've identified where the coal seam gas explorers can take their gas and we've also given the green light to some trial sights where they're trialing burning coal underground."

Mr Wilson says each industry has a designated area where they can conduct their work.

"We want to create jobs in regional Queensland particularly," he said.

"This Government is focused on protecting jobs now and doing everything possible to create jobs into the longer term."


http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/18/2495134.htm?section=business