Pipelines provide direct employment opportunities while attracting other resources projects and associated service industries. Not the least of the benefits is access to cheaper energy for remote communities. For these reasons, I see the developments and achievements to date as reflecting a constructive partnership between industry, government and the community. A partnership I am keen to foster. Indeed, all of us here today understand the importance of the resources sector to our economy and the way it underpins the quality of life of all Australians.
Natural gas is the third largest primary source of energy, after coal and oil.
It provides around 18 percent of our primary energy needs. And its significance as an energy source is set to grow. It is greatly to your advantage that natural gas is also seen positively by the community, especially as a 'greenhouse friendly' fuel. This provides the industry with a solid support base with which to pursue market opportunities. In addition, the major infrastructure developments of recent years, and those now planned, have been made possible because investors understand natural gas is a key energy source for the future.