Queensland opens search for next generation of resource opportunities

• Expressions of Interest now open under Queensland's new exploration land release. 
• Industry can put forward areas with potential for new petroleum and gas, coal and other resource projects for consideration. 
• The Crisafulli Government is open for business and delivering better services through a stronger economy by backing the resources industry. 

The Crisafulli Government is inviting resource companies to identify areas for future exploration, helping to build a pipeline of projects to create jobs, support regional businesses and deliver better services through a stronger economy.  

Resource companies are being asked to nominate prospective petroleum and gas, coal and other exploration areas for consideration in future land release programs and competitive tenders. 

This is the first step in implementing reforms from the Crisafulli Government’s 2025 Land Release Review, following a decade of ad hoc, unplanned and unpredictable land releases under Labor. 

The Crisafulli Government is providing industry with earlier visibility of future opportunities and a clearer pathway for future land releases. 

The reforms build on strong industry interest in Queensland's resources sector. Since coming into office in 2024, the Crisafulli Government has awarded 15 exploration areas through competitive tender processes.  

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy, after Labor’s anti-mining and anti-resources policies sent investor confidence to rock bottom.  

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said exploration was critical to Queensland’s resources future. 

"Queensland has the resources, the expertise and the opportunity to lead the next generation of resources development," Minister Last said. 

"Exploration is the foundation of Queensland's future resources projects, investment and jobs. 

"By asking industry where it sees the greatest potential, we can build a stronger pipeline of projects that supports regional jobs, local suppliers and Queensland's economy. 

"It gives companies a clearer view of what could be released next, so they can plan, invest and prepare with greater confidence.  

“The Crisafulli Government continues to back in Queensland’s mining industry with a stable operating environment, releasing new land for exploration after the former Labor Government’s anti-resources policies stymied new investment and development. 

"Queensland is open for business and we're backing the industry because strong resources communities help build a stronger Queensland economy."   

Australian Energy Producers’, General Manager States and Territories, Keld Knudsen welcomed the expression of interest process.