Yesterday
Qld’s Taroom Trough emerges as Australia’s new oil frontier
The area quietly attracted energy giant Shell years ago and is now drawing a growing crowd of local explorers.
January
Fears Victorian consumers will pay for gas imports under ‘last resort’ plan
Gas producers in Victoria say the government should act to streamline gas project approvals before considering plans for underwriting LNG import terminals.
LNG importers cling to ambitions despite gas reservation scheme
Imported gas will still be needed in the south-east, even with a gas reserve, the ventures argue, rejecting suggestions that their projects are now redundant.
December 2025
ConocoPhillips makes second gas strike in Victoria’s Otway Basin
News of a second gas strike comes amid worries that the federal government’s domestic gas reservation plan may undermine new projects.
Manufacturers hail scheme to reserve east coast gas
Queensland LNG exporters will have to set aside 15 to 25 per cent of production for domestic customers under a program to be designed in detail next year.
Tensions flare among exporters in countdown to gas reserve
Queensland LNG ventures led by Origin Energy and Shell say there should be “no exceptions” for Santos’ GLNG in the east coast gas reservation system.
LNG giants make last ditch concessions to avert export controls
Santos’ GLNG venture has offered to cut purchases of gas from the domestic market and trim shipments as it attempts to head off far more onerous requirements.
November 2025
Santos hit by further delay on Narrabri gas ruling
A traditional owner appeal over the project’s approval was due to start on Tuesday but is now expected in March 2026 after the judge recused herself.
Looming east coast gas reserve could cut prices by 20pc
Labor is targeting a domestic reservation system that would ensure enough extra gas to bring down prices but not so much that producers rein in output.
ConocoPhillips strikes gas in closely watched Victoria drilling
The “encouraging” find, which could be the largest in Australia for several years, was reported by the US company and junior partner 3D Energi.
Linguistic acrobatics can’t mask Liberal energy policy mess
Despite their professed desire to bring down energy bills, the Liberals new energy policy is unlikely to do what it says on the tin.
Manufacturers mull gas exploration to secure supply as shortage looms
Goods producers and energy traders are among those considering backing a drilling project off Victoria next year, lured by the possibility of cheap power.
APA hatches plan for major expansion of Victorian gas pipeline network
The pipeline giant’s plan to expand the congested South West Pipeline reflects its wider grid expansion strategy to head off the need for LNG imports.
October 2025
Learn from Spain on gas pricing
Readers’ letters on gas pricing distortions, renewable and nuclear energy, Abbott’s lack of vision, Ley’s T-shirt tantrum and the need for a letter writers’ cabinet.
Where big investors want to put their money
Renewables are in but hydrogen is out for international and domestic infrastructure investors, but they are worried about government red and green tape.
Minns threatens compulsory acquisition to get Narrabri gas moving
The NSW premier wants Santos to pull the trigger on Narrabri gas development and called for the Albanese government to establish an east coast gas reserve.
Is Australia’s energy transition turning into a muppet show?
Will the Greens be as savvy as pragmatic everyman Kermit the Frog when it comes to gas? Or will they be like the minor muppets in the back?
Labor should seize the decarbonisation policy certainty challenge
Albanese’s government should focus on nailing down the policy settings needed to accelerate emission cuts and connect more clean generation and storage to the mains.
Energy users warn of industrial ‘tragedy’ from ‘broken’ gas market
But big industrial gas consumers including Rio Tinto say any government intervention should be a bridge to the future, and not become a permanent subsidy.
Manufacturers want cheap gas that no longer exists
Clawing back gas that was developed for LNG export by investors prepared to risk billions of dollars of capital is not a sustainable solution.
