Gas explorers will have the chance to further develop Queensland gas country with the state government releasing 1500km2 of land in the state’s southwest.
Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said five parcels were to be released for tender on June 18 around Moonie and Injune in the resource-rich Surat and Bowen Basins.
This follows last month’s announcement from the Queensland Government, which opened more than 6700km2 of land for gas exploration, with the explorers to develop opportunities to supply Australian users.
In addition, the release of land comes just weeks before the tenders close for the 12 prospective parcels of land open for tender between Blackwater and Goondiwindi.
The tenders are open until July 9, with 872km2 that can only supply gas to the Australian market.
Lynham said it was essential that Queensland kept exploration under way to identify resources projects and jobs for the future following COVID-19.
“Gas explorers have already expressed interest on these parcels of land previously, so it makes sense to open them for tender,” Lynham said.
Tenders for the 1500km2 are open until September 3, 2020, and will be finalised by the end of the year.