The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future energy needs by securing major new gas exploration investment across a landmass almost three times the size of the ACT. 

Santos QNT Pty Ltd and Drillsearch Energy Pty Ltd have been named preferred tenderers for three gas exploration areas in the Cooper-Eromanga Basin, near the Queensland-South Australia border. 

The areas form part of a wider package of exploration areas opened for tender last year, aimed at unlocking future gas supply and putting downward pressure on energy prices.  

The Crisafulli Government is giving industry the certainty it needs to accelerate the next wave of energy investment after Labor's anti-resources policies put thousands of Queensland jobs at risk. 

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was delivering more gas supply and more certainty for Queensland. 

'This exploration investment sends a clear message that Queensland is open for business, and we’re serious about getting more gas into the system to relieve energy pressures,' Minister Last said. 

'Gas is critical to our state’s energy mix and to the industries that power regional economies. These exploration areas are the next step in delivering the supply needed to support investment, create jobs and ease energy pressures across the board. 

'By appointing capable explorers, we’re laying the foundations for new production that will keep Queensland’s resources sector strong into the future. 

'That’s why we’re also preparing further areas for release later this year, to maintain a strong pipeline of new projects that will keep Queensland’s gas supplies flowing and delivering continued investment across our state.'

Santos Chief Operating Officer Australia and PNG Upstream Oil and Gas Brett Darley said the exploration acreage was unlocking new opportunities.

'We welcome the Queensland Government’s leadership in releasing and awarding exploration acreage which will unlock new supply for Australian homes and businesses,' Mr Darley said. 

The Crisafulli Government has also published the results of industry consultation on Queensland’s land release process to support a faster, more transparent tender process, with clearer prioritisation of exploration areas and earlier engagement with local governments.   

The Land Release Review summary can be found at www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/mining-exploration/initiatives/improving-land-release-in-queensland  

Original announcement link

Source: Queensland Government