Media Release
3 February 2026
Low Emission Technology Australia (LETA) has called on the Federal Government to back common-user CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure in the upcoming Budget, saying it is the critical enabler of a major jobs and growth opportunity from carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
LETA Chief Executive Officer Mark McCallum said analysis released by EY-Parthenon last year found that scaling up CCUS deployment along Australia’s east coast could add $66 billion to Australia’s economy and support 15,250 jobs over coming decades, but only if the enabling infrastructure is built.
“Australia has the storage resources and technical capability to lead on CCUS, but projects will not scale if every proponent has to build bespoke pipelines and storage arrangements,” Mr McCallum said.
“Common-user CO₂ infrastructure is how we turn individual capture projects into bankable hubs that attract private investment, create skilled regional jobs, and keep Australian industry competitive.”
LETA is urging the Government to establish a dedicated common-user CO₂ infrastructure program to co-invest in priority corridors and hub assets, including shared compression and conditioning facilities, pipeline corridors and shipping enablement where appropriate, and the appraisal and certification of storage resources.
Mr McCallum said government support is most important at the early stages of project development, when first-mover risks are highest and utilisation is still building.
“Targeted co-investment can bring forward final investment decisions and crowd in private capital, so we can move from studies to construction and operations,” he said.
LETA said a national focus on CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure would deliver direct employment benefits across engineering, construction, operations, monitoring and verification, while supporting local supply chains in fabrication, maintenance and professional services.
“This is not only climate infrastructure,” Mr McCallum said.
“It is nation-building economic infrastructure that can underpin a new CCUS services sector and strengthen Australia’s low-emissions export competitiveness.”
ENDS
Find LETA’ s 2026–2027 Pre-Budget Submission here