At a recent conference Mr Knox said “Today, gas is the only fuel that can provide a safe, secure, reliable source of cleaner energy for baseload power generation.

“You simply can’t grow economies without electricity, and you can’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions without addressing the role of cleaner burning fuels in generating this electricity.

Mr Knox said that access to global markets, and subsequent investment, will ensure the continued development of gas reserves for domestic use.

“In the period to 2030, Asia will account for an amazing 62 per cent of growth in global energy demand,” Mr Knox said.

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Mr Knox emphasised that it is critical that Australian LNG projects are developed now while the demand for LNG in the Asian region substantially outstrips contracted supplies.

He raised concerns that the Federal Government’s Resource Super Profits Tax could hinder this progress, having a negative effect on Australia’s ability to attract international investors and customers.

Mr Knox said “It is important to remember that the benefits of natural gas – and the certainty of the investment and jobs planned for our sector – cannot be taken for granted. But with the right policy settings in place, Australian natural gas will deliver environmental, economic and energy benefits for decades, if not centuries to come.”