Crisafulli Government opens the valve on Australia’s first potential major oil province in a generation

• The Crisafulli Government awards exploration rights in the Taroom Trough, with the potential to open up Australia’s first major new oil province since the 1970s.
• Exploration forms part of a wider land release to boost gas supply and put downward pressure on prices.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by securing major resources investment in regional Queensland. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future energy needs by securing major investment that could pave the way for Australia’s first major oil discovery in a generation. 

Omega TN Pty Ltd, Tri-Star Stonecroft Pty Ltd and Drillsearch Energy Pty Ltd have been appointed as preferred tenderers to explore for gas and petroleum in the Taroom Trough, near Miles in South-West Queensland. 

The 750 square kilometre exploration tenement – around the same size as Singapore - forms part of a wider package of exploration areas opened for tender last year, aimed at unlocking future energy supplies to put downward pressure on prices. 

Gas production from the area would occur under the Australian Market Supply Condition, putting Australian homes and businesses first for any gas produced. 

The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland’s resources workers, after Labor’s anti-mining and anti-gas policies risked thousands of Queensland jobs. 

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the next wave of resources investment for Queensland. 

“We’re sending a clear message that Queensland is open for business, and this new exploration area is a critical step in boosting Queensland’s domestic energy supplies to put downward pressure on energy prices,” Minister Last said. 

“This area is emerging as a real prospect to become Australia’s first major oil province since the 1970s, with serious potential to revitalise a domestic oil production industry. 

“By giving industry confidence and laying the groundwork for new oil and gas production, we’re securing Queensland’s energy future, supporting regional jobs, and ensuring our resources sector remains strong for decades to come.” 

Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said ensuring South West Queensland had sufficient gas supply was critical for both energy security and agriculture. 

“Gas is a major input into fertiliser, so when we create more gas supply, we help put downward pressure on manufacturing costs right across the supply chain,” Minister Leahy said. 

“That flow-on effect helps keep fertiliser more affordable for farmers and supports the industries our South West Queensland communities rely on. 

“By prioritising domestic supply, the Crisafulli Government is making sure Queensland gas works for Queenslanders first.”