Project faces environmental criticism and scrutiny
SYDNEY — The Australian government has approved the development of 1,695 new gas wells in Queensland, a decision that has sparked significant backlash from environmental groups. Greenpeace Australia Pacific criticised the government’s approval, highlighting concerns over climate commitments and the impact on local communities.
The project, managed by Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) — a collaboration between Origin Energy, ConocoPhillips, and Sinopec — has been granted the green light to proceed until 2081. According to Greenpeace, this marks the 36th fossil fuel-related approval by the Albanese Government since 2022. The project still requires consent from the Queensland Government.
Environmental Concerns and Industry Impact
Solaye Snider, Climate Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, expressed strong disapproval of the decision, stating that it betrays Australia’s climate promises and benefits large corporations at the expense of environmental health. The project is expected to affect habitats of threatened species like koalas and Greater Gliders, which are protected under national environmental laws.
In addition to environmental concerns, there are also social implications to consider. Local communities fear the changes that such a large-scale project might bring to their daily lives. Infrastructure development, increased traffic, and potential health risks are some issues raised by residents. The government has promised to address these concerns through comprehensive impact assessments and community consultations. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 2 April 2026, 4:33 pm
