Queensland boasts a rich endowment of resource wealth, which has seen the state develop a world-class industry that contributes in many ways to the quality of life for our local communities.

The development of the coal seam gas industry has become an integral part of regional Queensland, playing a pivotal role in the economic prosperity of local towns.

The Surat Basin Energy Awards, hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), celebrates the energy sector by showcasing the economic contribution and the positive impact the gas and energy sector has made to the Surat Basin region.

Rig & Well Services, a proudly home-grown in Toowoomba, was recognised as a finalist in three of the 13 award categories, which attracted more than 100 nominations.

Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Hon Angus Taylor MP was a special guest speaker at the awards event, telling attendees that the region is one of the great innovators in Australia.

There's no question about that, whether it's in agriculture, energy or manufacturing, I see innovations here, said Minister Taylor.

"These are world leading industries that you're participating in, you've got to be globally competitive and the truth is that what we're seeing around this region is world leading and I really congratulate all of you for what you're doing," said Minister Taylor.

Overcoming technical challenges and potential risks in the Coal Seam Gas (CSG) industry

Rig & Well Services was a finalist in the Innovation award category for overcoming the technical challenges and potential risks within the coal seam gas industry, by leading the development of innovative rig solutions that increase safety, productivity, and operational sustainability.

The company's new rigs, the Advantage Light Rig Extra (ALRx) have transformed the workover of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) wells in the field, with enhanced hands-free operations making it safer for our rig crews and improving operational efficiency for customers by more than 30 per cent.

Demonstrating local content initiatives that have positive outcomes

Local content is another award category for which Rig & Well Services was a finalist, demonstrating local content initiatives that result in positive outcomes for local businesses within the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region.

As one of the region's largest employers, Rig & Well Services provides jobs for 700 people in Queensland with nearly half of these people living in Toowoomba and the Surat Basin. In 2020, more than $30 million in wages were paid to employees living in the region, supporting the local economy and businesses through consumer spending.

Local businesses also had the opportunity to be part of delivering Australia's newest well servicing rigs, Rig & Well Services' ALRx, with more than $10.2 million or 40 per cent of the project spend injected into the local economy.

Commitment to social investment

Rig & Well Services was also a finalist for the Community award recognising the company's commitment to social investment in the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region.

Through the Rig & Well Services' Community Grants program, more than $420,000 has been distributed to 260 community groups. This includes 178 community groups in Toowoomba and the Surat Basin region who have received more than $275,000 in the past ten years.

The program provides funding assistance of up to $2,000 per applicant per round to support activities or projects that provide lasting community benefits.

Rig & Well Services' General Manager Energy, Kyle Koziol, said: We are focused on building the regional strength of our communities and our grants program is one of the ways we support community members who count on the vital services of these organisations in their day-to-day lives.

Congratulations to all our colleagues who were recognised for their positive contributions to the industry in the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region.