Premier hails Wallumbilla project for making gas affordable

'There's lots happening in this part of the world' says Premier Annastacia Palaszcuk during visit to Wallumbilla.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the opening of the Reedy Creek Pipeline in Wallumbilla. Pictured with her are, from left, APA CEO Mick McCormack, APA chairman Michael Fraser, Dr Anthony Lynham and Mayor Tyson Golder. Picture: Alexia Austin

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk spoke about domestic gas concerns while on-site at the Wallumbilla Gas Hub today.

Ms Palaszczuk was in attendance for the official opening of the Reedy Creek Pipeline - a network that links APA's Wallumbilla facility to the Australia Pacific LNG Facility up north.

The pipeline is expected to supply 300 terajoules of gas per day to markets on the east coast of Australia.

Ms Palaszczuk, who was joined by Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham, toured the facility and spoke to staff.

"This $80 million pipeline investment will help make gas more available and affordable for businesses in Queensland as well as Victoria and New South Wales," she said.

"Last week my government earmarked a further 44,000sq kms of land for resources exploration, an area the size of the Netherlands."

When asked about the regional impact of the exploration, Ms Palaszczuk said the project would unlock regional jobs.

"I'm delighted we're working closely with APA, which is a long-term investor in Queensland's energy infrastructure employing around 485 people here, because our bond is an investment in the future of Queensland," she said.

"It's wonderful to be out here today for this opening, and it's also great to see the bore opening this morning (in Roma) - there is lots happening in this part of the world.

"I think it's important that both myself and Anthony are here today as you don't understand how Queensland works unless you get out and see it for yourself."

Ms Palaszczuk said the state had been doing the heavy lifting when it came to gas exploration for the domestic market.

"I'm very pleased that Queensland is doing its share," she said.

"I would like to see NSW and Victoria do the same, and open up their markets for domestic use. Currently there has been no movement on this."

Ms Palaszczuk dispelled concerns about export during times of high domestic gas demand, saying the government was working to boost exploration.

"We know if you have more supply into the market, of course it's going to make a difference (to prices)," she said.

"(People within the industry) are well aware of the importance of having a supply to the domestic markets.

"What we've said to the industry very clearly is that we are opening up 44,000sq kms for exploration, and some of that will be used for the domestic market."