You can barely go a day without reading or hearing about the expansion of the coal seam gas industry in Queensland.

Over the next 30 to 40 years, 40,000 gas wells will be drilled in the state, generating 18,000 jobs and billions of dollars in income as the gas is liquefied and exported to energy-hungry countries in Asia.

In this special report, the Queensland Country Hour team take a look at the emerging industry, the process of producing liqufied gas from the coal seam and the mixed community response to the industry.

Exploration

The new frontline for coal seam gas is the Galilee Basin, located over central western Queensland, stretching from Hughenden to Charleville.

Exploration rigs are popping up over most of that area but the 12 companies involved are yet to determine if the basin will provide a viable gas supply.

Exoma Energy is one of those companies and chief executive officer Rob Crook says exploration is a pretty low impact exercise.

Production

In southern Queensland, coal seam gas sites are well into the production stage around some towns.

Arrow Energy superintendent Tobias Burwood was born and raised in Dalby and says he’s seen the town grow since Arrow came to the area. Read more and listen to the interviews at: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2011/s3322318.htm

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