Queensland state releases gas exploration acreage

The Australian state of Queensland has opened 12 parcels of land covering more than 6700km² to tender for gas exploration.

The land parcels are located in the state’s resource-rich Bowen and Surat basins between Blackwater and Goondiwindi.

According to the Government of Queensland, the land lies within existing proven basins with necessary gas infrastructure that allow any new projects to be quickly commercialised.

Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said: “This is about keeping exploration moving in Queensland to support our post Covid-19 economic recovery.

“Queensland has been the leader in getting gas to Australian users, including our manufacturers, to fuel jobs.

“A more affordable domestic gas supply will help secure more Aussie jobs across the supply chain, from the well head to the manufacturing plant.”

Queensland Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said that 872km² of the land among the total acreage could only supply gas to the Australian market.

Glenn Butcher added: “Gas is critical to our manufacturers as a feedstock, as well as an energy source to fuel jobs. Already we have Senex Energy producing critical gas feedstock and energy, including to businesses like Orica at Yarwun.

“As well, Australian Pacific LNG and Armour Energy’s joint venture project near Chinchilla is set to supply gas next year to help secure around 650 manufacturing jobs in plants across Queensland.”

The new land release is part of a multi-million-dollar package, including rent and fee waivers, to help maintain Queensland’s portfolio of resources projects.

In March 2018, the Queensland government awarded further petroleum exploration acreage to Armour Energy and Central Petroleum in an attempt to boost supply to the east coast gas market.