Going west to uncover energy riches

A new airborne magnetic and radiometric survey in Queensland’s iconic Cooper Basin will unlock more of the region’s energy riches, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Mr Wilson said western Queensland’s Cooper Basin was renowned for its hydrocarbon reserves and high potential for further geothermal energy discoveries.

“The Bligh Government is hot to trot in its pursuit of new cleaner energy resources to power the state,” Mr Wilson said.

“This new survey could lead to new discoveries of geothermal or ‘hot rocks’ energy, as well as petroleum and gas reserves.”

The survey, which started earlier this month, will continue until March 2009.

It will cover about 60,000sqkm on a north-east to south-west diagonal surrounding Stonehenge in western Queensland.

Mr Wilson said the Bligh Government was on track to double mining and petroleum exploration investment in the state to $540 million by 2010.

“This amazing level of investment would not have happened without the government’s $50 million Smart Exploration and Smart Mining programs.”

In the Cooper Basin North survey, low-flying aircraft will criss-cross an area from north of Longreach to south of Windorah.

Similar surveys are being conducted in the Cooper Basin, to the south of this latest survey area.

Mr Wilson said once all three Cooper Basin surveys were completed, the government would have completed its airborne geophysical program in south-west Queensland.

Explorers can combine data from the surveys with other information such as seismic data, geological maps and drill hole information to refine their target areas.

All survey data will be released online at www.geoscience.gov.au/gadds as it becomes available or on DVD by emailing sales@dme.qld.gov.au

Note: A PDF map of the survey area is available.

Media contact: Minister’s office 3224 7332.