Onshore Gas in Australia The Surat Basin Social Legacy Story

Abstract

The Surat Basin in Australia is the leading onshore coal seam gas producing region in the country. However, the development of the industry has not been without its challenges.
The paper aims to:

• examine the concept of Social Licence from the perspective of the region’s business community;
• provide an analysis of the regional economic benefits;
• show how the Surat Basin region has been able to diversify its economy as a result of the gas industry.

Through comprehensive research and commentary the paper will consider what has been done right, and what could have been done better. The premise of the paper is that the Surat Basin region should be seen as a positive legacy and beacon for gas development in Australia.