Senex Energy Ltd. has received environmental authority from the Queensland government to develop the Western Surat Gas Project, the company said on Dec. 8.

Representing a key milestone for the project, Senex has received environmental approval from the state to develop up to 425 wells with gas and water gathering networks, compression facilities and water management infrastructure.

Senex expects to receive all remaining state and commonwealth regulatory approvals for the development of the project by the end of the financial year FY18, including the grant of a petroleum lease.

“We are making great progress on the Western Surat Gas Project, systematically achieving the milestones to move into the development phase,” Ian Davies, Senex’s CEO and managing director, said.

“2018 is set to be an exciting time, with the production of material gas from the Phase-2 wells, and all the pieces in place for us to make the next material investment decision on the project.”