Building Skills for Australia’s Onshore Gas Future

October 9, 2025

Australia’s onshore oil and gas industry is entering a defining decade. From Queensland’s coal seam gas (CSG) fields to the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Basin and the Cooper Basin’s pioneering carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, billions of dollars in investment and thousands of new jobs are on the horizon.

But the success of these developments won’t be measured by drilling rigs alone, it will depend on workforce readiness, safety, compliance, and community trust.

At the Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC), our mission is clear: to prepare Australia’s energy workforce with the skills, qualifications, and safety mindset needed to lead the industry forward. We build not only technical capability but also the responsibility to work safely, respectfully, and sustainably.

Onshore Projects Driving Workforce Demand

Across Australia, major onshore gas projects are creating long-term employment opportunities:

Beetaloo Basin (NT): The Sturt Plateau Pipeline is under construction and expected to deliver first gas by mid-2026, creating hundreds of construction and drilling jobs. Its success depends on effective heritage and groundwater management.
Bowen–Surat Basin (QLD): Expansion through Arrow Energy’s Phase 2 and Senex Atlas projects will deliver hundreds of new wells by 2028 — increasing demand for drillers, field operators, pipeline welders, and safety officers.
Cooper–Eromanga Basin (SA/QLD): The Moomba CCS project began CO₂ injection in 2024 and can store up to 1.7 million tonnes annually — driving new roles in monitoring, instrumentation, and compliance.

Narrabri Gas Project (NSW): Pending approval, this development could see over 850 wells and thousands of jobs over two decades, emphasising the need for environmental and heritage compliance training.
Otway Basin (VIC/SA): Facility and pipeline upgrades continue to create seasonal workforce demand, particularly for maintenance and logistics personnel.

Skills That Employers Now Demand

The onshore gas market is shifting. Contractors are no longer hiring for a single trade — they want multi-skilled, compliant professionals.

That means drillers trained in fatigue management, welders certified in confined space safety, and supervisors who understand environmental and WHS compliance.

This shift places new emphasis on industry-accredited training and nationally recognised qualifications that prepare workers for both technical and regulatory demands.

The Bigger Picture: Opportunity With Responsibility

According to the AEMO 2025 Gas Statement of Opportunities, Australia’s east coast may face gas supply shortfalls from 2028 unless new onshore projects progress. The Federal Government’s Future Gas Strategy confirms that gas will remain critical to the nation’s energy mix — but under stricter climate and sustainability frameworks.

For the workforce, this means that compliance, safety, and environmental awareness are not optional extras, they are central to project success.

The Road Ahead: Preparing for 2030 and Beyond

By 2026, Beetaloo Basin will deliver its first pilot gas. By 2027–2028, Arrow Energy’s Phase 2 will be driving drilling and compression activity. By 2030, carbon capture and storage will be mainstream, with Moomba operating at full capacity and new CCS initiatives underway in Queensland and the NT.

The future oil and gas workforce will be diverse and adaptable, combining technical, environmental, and compliance expertise.

AWCC’s Commitment to Workforce Readiness

At AWCC, our role is not to advocate for specific projects, it’s to ensure that when projects proceed, the workforce is ready.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 41356) in Brisbane and Toowoomba, we provide industry-built safety and compliance training for the oil and gas, mining, and construction sectors. Our programs align with Australian WHS legislation, industry standards, and real-world site conditions.

From Well Control Training to Safety Courses, our courses build confidence, competence, and compliance — the essential ingredients for a safer, stronger industry.

Australia’s onshore gas future depends not only on the reserves below ground but on the capability and safety of the people above it.

At the Australian Well Control Centre, we’re proud to lead that preparation, building a workforce that is skilled, compliant, and ready to deliver Australia’s energy future safely and responsibly.

Gary King
Manager, Australian Well Control Centre

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