Qld: Beattie heads to PNG

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Qld: Beattie heads to PNG

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE is flying to Papua New Guinea today to sign a tradedeal and express support for a $6 billion gas pipeline.

The memorandum of understanding to be signed during the two-day visit will replaceone signed 10 years ago to promote trade and investment.

Mr BEATTIE says he'll tell the PNG government that Queensland strongly backs a proposedgas pipeline from PNG's Southern Highlands to industrial areas along the state's eastcoast.

Project participants including ExxonMobil, Oil Search, ChevronTexaco, MRDC -- representinglandowner interests, and Japan PNG Petroleum have yet to commit to the pipeline.

It's understood Exxon and Oil Search are close to securing sufficient customers toget the project under way.

Mr BEATTIE has met with PNG Prime Minister Sir MICHAEL SOMARE and Energy Minister SirMOI AVEI over the past fortnight in Brisbane to discuss the project.

AAP RTV pjo/jmt

KEYWORD: PNG GAS BEATTIE (BRISBANE)