Natural gas: supporting regional Australia

Natural gas is important to Australia’s economy, and it is the fuel of choice for many industries. However, the natural gas industry couldn’t thrive as it does without the support of regional Australians from all over the country. 

Natural gas producers rely on regional communities to provide access and support for their operations, which are for the most part located in remote and rural parts of the country. This collaboration with industry benefits regional communities too, providing jobs, energy, and a boost to economy and services. 

Local oil and gas producers also support activities in townships across the country. Arrow Energy in the Surat Basin sponsors major local events like the Big Skies Festival and Chinchilla Melonfest. Mitsui is a highly active sponsor in the Mid West region of WA, supporting the local TAFE, fire brigade, footy club, and more. Senex partners with local Queensland motels and relies on local cafes to supply lunch packs to drilling rig crews, while Beach Energy partners with the Royal Flying Doctors’ Service to provide health services to remote communities in South Australia. 

Brighter has also demonstrated a commitment to rural communities on several occasions. We support community events through activities and sponsorships, including our collaboration with Rotary Clubs for their 2021 Australia Day events and with regional growth centres such as the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) and the Regional Australia Institute (RAI). 

RAI is currently bringing attention to the importance of regional communities at its Regions Rising National Summit, which returns to Canberra following last year’s virtual ceremony. Now in its third year, the summit is a celebration of the regional Australian communities that help the economy thrive. As RAI states, “Regionalisation will create a more equitable, balanced, attractive and prosperous future for all Australians, not just those who live outside the city limits.” 

The event includes speeches from numerous government and industry experts and will also include a celebration of RAI’s 10th anniversary. Brighter supports opportunities for regional Australians working in the natural gas industry and is proud to sponsor this year’s Regions Rising National Summit. 

For more information about the Regions Rising event, click here.