Qld gas boom to create 15,000 jobs at peak November 4, 2013 - 10:07AM A new report says Queensland's gas industry will create twice as many jobs as previously anticipated. A report by Energy Skills Queensland (ESQ) says the CSG to LNG industry is now expected to employ about 15,000 people at its peak in 2024. It found demand for skilled workers had grown significantly as major gas companies came to terms with the needs of their developments. The report, to be launched at the ESQ Annual Conference in Brisbane on Monday, includes recommendations to government and industry to avoid a shortage of skilled workers. It identifies more than 20 critical skills and occupations where training efforts should be focused, including drillers, geologists, electrical fitters and engineers. "Approximately 85 per cent of the overall operations workforce will be required in the Surat Basin and surrounding areas, with approximately 10 per cent and 5 per cent required in Gladstone and Brisbane respectively," the report says. About 35 per cent of workers are expected to be employed directly by the gas companies, and about 65 per cent will be contracted through supply chain contractors.