AN additional 6700 square kilometres of land in southern and central Queensland has been available for gas exploration.
Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said the 12 prospective parcels of land were now open to tender across Queensland's resource rich Bowen and Surat basins between Blackwater and Goondiwindi.
The land is located in five areas:
- 2501km2 near Rolleston.
- 2642km2 between Blackwater and Banana.
- 882km2, south of Theodore.
- 703km2, 30km south of Moonie.
- 18km2, 15km south west of Wandoan.
Dr Lynham said the land release was about keeping exploration moving in Queensland to supporting Queensland's post COVID-19 economic recovery.
He said he expected strong interest as both the Surat and Bowen basins already had gas infrastructure, meaning and any new project could plug straight in and get gas to market faster.
"This is about keeping exploration moving in Queensland to support our post COVID-19 economic recovery," Dr Lynham said.
"Queensland has been the leader in getting gas to Australian users, including our manufacturers, to fuel jobs.
"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 872km2 of the land could only supply gas to the Australian market.
Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the land release was essential to creating jobs, attracting investment and boosting exports to stimulate the Queensland economy.
"This is a clear indication from the government that the state's resources industry is a key part of the post-COVID-19 economic recovery story," Mr Macfarlane said.
"It demonstrates the government's commitment to allowing industry to responsibly develop gas for both the domestic and export markets."
Mr Macfarlane said the announcement followed the release of a three year CSIRO study which found hydraulic fracturing in Queensland had little to no impacts on air quality, soils, groundwater and waterways.
The release of land is part of the Government's package of incentives to assist the exploration industry which includes rent and fee waivers.
Lock the Gate Alliance Queensland spokesperson Ellie Smith said the Palaszczuk Government should concentrate on supporting the food producing communities, rather than backing the gas industry.
"Rather than propping up the coal and gas industry, Mr Lynham should be focussed on strong plans for Queensland's regions that support food and fibre and regional economic development," Ms Smith said.
Applications close on July 9. CLICK HERE for more information on current tenders.
