Queensland to get more petajoules into pipes

The Palaszczuk Government has given the green light to the Santos/Shell joint venture and Bridgeport Energy to start exploring for gas in the Surat Basin to boost future gas supply.

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the granting of the Authority to Prospect reinforced Queensland’s commitment to meeting global and domestic demand with approvals processed in just three weeks. 

Since 2015, the Palaszczuk Government had released more than 39,000 km2 of land for gas exploration - nearly a quarter for the domestic market only.

“This approval means the Santos/Shell joint venture and Bridgeport Energy can hit the ground running on the land near Chinchilla and Tara in the proven gas producing Surat Basin,’’ Dr Lynham said.

“Before granting these ATPs, Santos/Shell joint venture and Bridgeport Energy had to fulfil all existing environmental and Native Title requirements.

“Santos/Shell joint venture has won the right to explore gas on 1212km² of land near Chinchilla and Bridgeport Energy on 298km² near Tara.

“Santos and Shell already are major players in Queensland’s onshore $70 billion gas industry via there established GLNG and QCLNG gas projects.

“Granting of these ATPs is all about getting the petajoules in the pipes and boosting gas supply to help meet demand.

“Santos/Shell and Bridgeport’s ongoing investment in exploration demonstrates the high level of confidence in Queensland’s onshore gas industry.

“This investor confidence was on display earlier at the Energy Mines and Money event held in Brisbane 12-13 June which attracted around 500 delegates and potential investors looking to invest in our burgeoning resources sector.”

Bridgeport Energy Limited CEO Chris Way said he was very pleased to be granted this ATP across 289km2 of land in the Surat Basin and was looking forward to developing the potential gas asset.

“This ATP  is near our existing production hub at the Moonie field and it will allow us fast-track gas production to market,” he said

 “Thanks to the support of the Queensland Government, we’re excited to expand our activities in the region and help further secure Queensland’s energy supply.”

Santos Managing Director and CEO, Mr  Kevin Gallagher said: “The Queensland Government is leading the way in efficient approvals processes to get investment flowing faster in gas exploration and development to increase supply and reserves for the east coast gas market.

“Together with Shell, our joint venture partner, Santos is looking forward to getting exploration under way as soon as possible to unlock new gas resources. 

 “Development of new gas supply sources is the only sustainable, long-term solution to ensure adequate supplies for both the LNG and domestic markets on the east coast.”

Dr Lynham said the land releases for gas exploration continued to pay dividends as shown by the latest ABS figures with our trend petroleum exploration expenditure up to $59 million for the first quarter of 2019, an increase over the year of 17.2 per cent,” Dr Lynham said.

“Exploration investment is the foundation that underpins future projects which means more royalties, exports and jobs for Queenslanders.

“The proof is in the pudding, since 2015 the Palaszczuk Government has helped facilitate more than $20 billion worth of resources projects, creating 7000 jobs.”

Editors: See map attached.

Media: David Potter 0428 411 617