For contractors, training providers and workers across Australia’s oil and gas industry, the question is always the same: where is the next wave of work coming from?

As we move into the final quarter of 2026, several developments are beginning to provide a clearer answer.

Queensland’s Surat Basin remains central to near-term activity, while the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Basin is moving into a completely different stage of development following the commencement of first gas. Together, these projects point toward ongoing requirements for drilling, completions, construction, maintenance, logistics and skilled personnel.

One of the clearest commitments came in August when Shell announced the next phase of its QGC development in Queensland.

The program involves the construction and connection of 137 new wells across existing permit areas near Wandoan, Chinchilla and Tara. Gas from the program is expected from 2027 and will supply both the Queensland Curtis LNG operation and domestic customers.

Shell expects the project to support approximately 300 jobs, while also creating opportunities for regional contractors and suppliers.

For the service sector, a well program of this scale extends far beyond drilling itself. Development requires site preparation, civil works, rig services, completions, wellhead activities, gathering infrastructure, commissioning, logistics and ongoing maintenance.

Arrow Energy is also progressing the next stage of its Surat Gas Project.

The company announced that development of Surat Gas Project Central, south of Chinchilla, is expected to begin in late 2026. Construction of production infrastructure and associated facilities is planned over approximately seven years, with first gas targeted for 2028. Arrow says its Surat operations currently support more than 1,000 workers, including a substantial contractor workforce.

Taken together, these developments reinforce the Western Downs as one of the most important areas to watch for continuing gas-sector employment and contracting opportunities.

The Beetaloo Basin is entering an equally important phase.

On 1 September 2026, first gas from the Shenandoah South Pilot Project began flowing through APA Group’s new Sturt Plateau Pipeline into the Amadeus Gas Pipeline and the Northern Territory market.

That milestone changes the conversation around the Beetaloo.

The basin is no longer solely an exploration story.

Tamboran has outlined continued drilling activity, while Beetaloo Energy Australia is targeting production from its Carpentaria development before the end of 2026. Santos and other industry participants are also progressing exploration and appraisal programs.

That means continuing requirements for unconventional drilling, hydraulic fracturing, wireline, cementing, fluids, well control, transport and remote-area support.

Perhaps the most significant longer-term opportunity is the infrastructure required if Beetaloo production continues to grow.

On 2 September, APA Group confirmed that its proposed North to East Australia Pipeline had received Coordinated Project status in Queensland, formally commencing the environmental assessment process.

The proposed pipeline would create a connection between Northern Territory gas and the east-coast network through Queensland. It remains subject to approvals and investment decisions, so construction should not yet be treated as committed work. However, reaching the formal assessment stage represents an important step forward.

There is an important distinction between a project announcement and somebody starting work tomorrow.

Major developments move through approvals, procurement, contracting, mobilisation and construction before the employment effect is fully visible.

But the direction of travel matters.

New wells are being sanctioned in Queensland. New development areas are beginning construction. Beetaloo gas is now physically flowing, and infrastructure planning is advancing.

For personnel considering their next move, this is the time to ensure qualifications and competencies are current rather than waiting until recruitment accelerates.

For employers, it is equally important to maintain a pipeline of trained personnel capable of moving into operational roles.

The Australian onshore sector will continue to move through cycles, and individual projects will change.

But one principle remains constant:

when activity begins to increase, workforce readiness cannot be created overnight.

The organisations and individuals preparing now will be better positioned when the next mobilisation call arrives.

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