New land has been opened for more gas projects across Queensland’s resource-rich Bowen and Surat Basins between Blackwater and Goondiwindi.
The more than 6,700 square kilometres of land is available for exploration in 12 prospective parcels.
Minister for Mines, Anthony Lynham said the announcement would keep exploration moving in Queensland to support the post COVID-19 economic recovery.
“Queensland has been the leader in getting gas to Australian users, including our manufacturers, to fuel jobs,” Dr Lynham said.
“More affordable domestic gas supply will help secure more Aussie jobs across the supply chain — from the well-head to the manufacturing plant.”
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher said 872 square kilometres of the land would supply gas only to the Australian market.
“Gas is critical to our manufacturers as a feedstock as well as an energy source to fuel jobs,” Mr Butcher said.
“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.”
Dr Lynham said the land was in proven highly-prospective regions that were already pumping gas as part of Queensland’s $70 billion onshore gas industry.
“I expect strong interest as the Surat and Bowen basins already have gas infrastructure and any new project could plug straight in and get gas to market faster,” the Minister said.
