The Queensland government has approved new oil and gas exploration in the Taroom Trough, near Miles in southern Queensland, covering an area of 750 square kilometers. This move could make the site Australia's first significant new oil province since the 1970s.
"This site could become Australia's first significant new oil province since the 1970s," according to Australian Energy Producers, a national oil and gas industry body.
Conservation groups have raised concerns regarding potential impacts on groundwater quality, fossil fuel emissions, and the protection of prime agricultural land.
Government and Industry Perspectives
Dale Last, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, stated that the new exploration area is a critical step to boost Queensland's domestic energy supplies and reduce energy prices. He confirmed any gas produced would be directed to the Australian market, not for export.
Keld Knudsen, Director of Australian Energy Producers, said that expanding exploration sites is essential for sustaining fuel supply to key sectors such as transport, mining, and agriculture.
Rick Wilkinson, chief executive of Energy Quest and an adjunct professor at the University of Queensland, reported "encouraging oil results" from existing players in the Taroom Trough. He identified the region as one of Australia's most promising onshore oil and gas exploration areas on the east coast. Wilkinson noted that the oil discovered has been light crude or condensate suitable for domestic refining.
Omega TN Pty Ltd, Tri-Star Stonecraft Pty Ltd, and Drillsearch Energy Pty Ltd have been appointed as preferred tenderers for the project. Trevor Brown, CEO of Omega Oil and Gas, acknowledged the high costs and risks associated with exploration but emphasized the potential economic and energy-security benefits. He also stated the company maintains positive relationships with local communities and operates within regulated industry standards.
Environmental Concerns
Conservation groups, including Lock the Gate and the Queensland Conservation Council, have protested the approval. Ellen Roberts, national coordinator for Lock the Gate, expressed concerns about groundwater contamination from deep gas wells.
Roberts stated that the approval goes against a pre-election promise to protect prime agricultural land. She also criticized the opening of new areas for gas extraction in the interest of multinational companies.
Clare Silcock of the Queensland Conservation Council stated that these announcements contradict the state government's emissions reduction target of 75 percent below 2005 levels by 2035.
"The government is facilitating coal and gas industries while hindering renewable energy development," Silcock added.
The Crisafulli government previously approved three gas exploration sites in the Cooper-Eromanga basin in January.