drilling, page-6

Surat Basin 'shielded' from economic crisis

Posted Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:22am AEDT
Updated Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:20am AEDT

Map: Dalby 4405
The Dalby Regional Council Mayor, Ray Brown, says the Surat Basin is booming, despite mining industry job losses in other parts of Queensland.

Mining companies have cut more than a 1,000 jobs in Queensland since November because of the global economic downturn.

Councillor Brown says workers would be more than welcome on the Darling Downs.

"There's been no let-up, particularly in the gas exploration industry and production," he said.

"Other coal mines in our region ... they're full steam ahead.

"I believe we are pretty well shielded from that financial crisis."

Almost 50 mine and energy projects are expected to be operating in the Surat Basin within two years.

Companies are planning or developing coal seam gas, underground coal gasification, liquefied natural gas projects, as well as coal mines.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/15/2466345.htm