The University of Queensland’s Centre for Natural Gas (CNG) has been recognised for its work in the energy sphere in regional communities. UQ CNG Director Professor Andrew Garnett was named the inaugural recipient of the Industry Legacy Award at the Surat Basin Energy Awards - which celebrates the people, businesses and industries that shape the energy sector in regional Queensland.
Prof Garnett said it was a great honour to receive the award and to celebrate success, particularly when it’s hard won.
“It’s a fantastic story, but it’s not my story,” he said.
“It’s recognition that the communities across the region have been through some hard yards particularly in industry development, and of course with the background of the external environment issues with droughts and floods."
UQ CNG has undertaken a significant body of research work in the Surat Basin and surrounding region ranging from engineering to groundwater issues and the social impacts of the natural gas industry, including the development of an online tool by the Centre’s Dr Kathy Witt, to measure socio-economic changes in communities.
Around 300 people, including Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor were on hand at a ceremony in the Western Downs town of Dalby to see Professor Garnett receive the peer-nominated award. The awards were established by the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) covering areas including leadership, innovation, environmental and Indigenous achievement.