Queensland’s LNG industry exported $1.14 billion worth of gas from January to July, with the state’s overall merchandise exports posting a 20% increase over the year to July quarter 2015.
by khunaspix
Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the increase was driven by the ramp up of LNG, meat and coal exports.
“The nominal value of Queensland merchandise exports rose 20 per cent over the year to July quarter 2015,” Mr Pitt said.
“Growth over the year was driven by the ramp up of LNG exports, which commenced in January 2015, along with increases in the value of meat and coal exports.”
He said the LNG export industry will continue to shape the state economy in coming decades, supporting thousands of jobs in the process.
“LNG exports are projected to hit $15 billion by 2016-17, earning the state valuable export dollars and annual royalties while supporting thousands of jobs,” Mr Pitt added.
“This is a $60 billion industry which would not exist had it not been for the foresight of successive State Labor governments. Queensland Labor championed the LNG export industry from day one and this support is now paying off with exports already surpassing $1 billion.”
Official Australian Bureau of Statistics data also revealed that Queensland meat exports rose 33.1% over the year to the July quarter 2015, with mineral exports also on the up.
“Minerals exports hit $2.3 billion in the July quarter 2015, a rise of 25.2 per cent compared to the same time last year,” Mr Pitt said.
“Each of Queensland’s major mineral exports recorded rises over the year. Queensland’s crops exports also grew by $375 million, driven by strong increases in grain sorghum exports.”
