Queensland fires up for gas supply challenge

Gas facility. Image: Qld Government

More explorers are on the hunt across Queensland for more gas for the hungry Australian market.

Queensland Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham has announced four companies that will soon start exploring more than 6600sq km for more gas for local use, as well as export dollars.

Dr Lynham said the latest blocks were in key gas-producing regions in the Surat and Bowen basins, as well as an area with significant potential in the Eromanga and Adavale basins.

The four companies have won tenders as part of Queensland’s annual exploration program.

“This demonstrates once again that here in Queensland we continue to do the heavy lifting in shoring up Australia’s gas supply,” Dr Lynham said.

“We’re also fulfilling our election commitment to release land for gas exploration with the requirement that any gas produced will only be provided to our domestic market.

“Ultimately, these land releases will deliver more petajoules into pipes, bringing more gas to the east coast and more gas for export.”

One company will be looking for gas only for the Australian market.

Chi Oil and Gas will explore 5266sq km of land near Quilpie in the Eromanga and Adavale basins.

The company joins a growing team seeking or producing Queensland gas for the east coast market.

Senex is progressing its Project Atlas in the Surat Basin, and Central Petroleum, along with Armour Energy, have authorities to prospect to explore almost 400sq km for the Australian market.

The other three successful tenderers announced will be able to supply any gas they find to either the Australian or export market.

Armour Energy will explore two areas south of Surat over the Surat and Bowen basins – 12 sq km area 28km south east of town and 30sq km area 35km south of town.

Cypress Petroleum will explore two areas near Tara in the Surat and Bowen basins – a 487sq km area 30km west of town and a 559sq km area 38km south west of town.

Bridgeport Energy will explore a 298sq km area 18km west of Tara, spanning the Surat and Bowen basins.

The companies will need to negotiate land access agreements, fulfill environmental and native title requirements and be granted exploration authorities before exploration can begin.

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