10 new areas opened for geothermal tender

The emerging geothermal industry has taken another step forward with a further 10 areas opened to tender.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said over 5400 square kilometres of prospective land had been released for geothermal exploration.

“The release of the land parcels will open up Queensland to a number of new explorers,” Mr Wilson said.

“Queensland has the bulk of Australia’s potential geothermal resources.

“I encourage geothermal explorers to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in an industry that offers so much potential, both economically and environmentally, for Queensland,” he said.

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said technology was being developed to enable geothermal ‘hot rocks’ to be used as a viable energy source.

“This energy is virtually emissions-free and produces no waste ash and this could be a useful resource to combat climate change,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Parcels that have been released are spread across the state, including five west of Longreach, one north-east of Roma, one south of Gladstone, one south of Charters Towers, one halfway between Georgetown and Mount Surprise, and one east of Aurukun,” he said.

More information on the land release is available on the Department of Mines and Energy web site at:

http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/mines/geothermal/call_tenders_geotherm.html#cft

The closing time and date for tenders is 4:30pm on 5 April 2007. Tenders can be lodged at the Service Centre, Podium 2, Landcentre, Cnr Mains and Vulture Streets, Woolloongabba, Queensland.

Media Inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332