Regulating and keeping the gas flowing in Queensland, Australia
Shaun Hingerty A * , Evan Hegarty A , Ben Wimberley A and Justin Hemmings AA
Shaun Hingerty is Technical Manager of the Petroleum Assessment Hub (Queensland). Shaun has over 28 years’ industry experience in Regulatory, Service Company and Operator affiliations, both in Australia and internationally. Shaun holds both a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. Shaun is a chartered registered engineer and an active member of SPE. |
Evan Hegarty is Principal Geoscientist of the Petroleum Assessment Hub (Queensland). Evan has over 14 years’ experience in exploration, appraisal and regulatory roles. Evan holds a Bachelor of Geological Science from the University of Queensland and is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Groundwater Hydrology at Flinders University. |
Ben Wimberley is Acting Principal Mining Registrar within the Coal Assessment Hub (Rockhampton). Ben has worked in several underground mining operations, throughout Queensland, in both coal and mineral deposits. Ben holds a Bachelor of Geology, is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Golden Key Society. |
Justin Hemmings is an officer of the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Rural and Regional Development and has worked in the Petroleum Assessment Hub as a registrar and manager in addition to his role as a principal policy officer. |
Abstract
Queensland holds the largest onshore gas reserves in Australia with Queensland coal seam gas production accounting for 25% of onshore and offshore gas produced nationally. Energy security related to gas supply is a key concern in eastern Australia. Gas shortage forecasts reported by advisory firms such as the Australian Energy Market Operator’s annual Gas Statement of Opportunities have highlighted the need for new gas projects. The Petroleum Assessment Hub (PAH), within Georesources in the Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development is supporting industry development in response to this potential gas shortfall. The PAH assesses and recommends whether Government authorisation should be granted to explore and develop Queensland’s gas resources. The PAH leverages internal expertise to foster relationships with industry – to facilitate positive outcomes for industry and Queensland – and to play a key role in department initiatives across government. This paper provides insight to the initiatives of Georesources and PAH to showcase the outstanding work of public servants who facilitate this industry.
Keywords: coal mine methane, coal seam gas, energy security, gas, Queensland, regulator, state government, tenure.
Shaun Hingerty is Technical Manager of the Petroleum Assessment Hub (Queensland). Shaun has over 28 years’ industry experience in Regulatory, Service Company and Operator affiliations, both in Australia and internationally. Shaun holds both a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. Shaun is a chartered registered engineer and an active member of SPE. |
Evan Hegarty is Principal Geoscientist of the Petroleum Assessment Hub (Queensland). Evan has over 14 years’ experience in exploration, appraisal and regulatory roles. Evan holds a Bachelor of Geological Science from the University of Queensland and is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Groundwater Hydrology at Flinders University. |
Ben Wimberley is Acting Principal Mining Registrar within the Coal Assessment Hub (Rockhampton). Ben has worked in several underground mining operations, throughout Queensland, in both coal and mineral deposits. Ben holds a Bachelor of Geology, is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Golden Key Society. |
Justin Hemmings is an officer of the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Rural and Regional Development and has worked in the Petroleum Assessment Hub as a registrar and manager in addition to his role as a principal policy officer. |
