The Queensland Government is opening up an area of over 22,725 square kilometres for competitive tendering for petroleum exploration.

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Water
The Honourable Henry Palaszczuk

26/04/2006

Mines Minister Henry Palaszczuk said that 12 areas in the state would be available for petroleum exploration under Authorities to Prospect (ATP).

"There will be two separate calls for tenders published in the same issue of the Queensland Government Gazette this Friday (28 April 2006)," he said.

"One will cover nine areas located near Moonie, Goondiwindi, St George, Miles, Injune, Roma and Taroom in the Bowen and SuratBasins."

"These areas comprise less than 10% non-exclusive possession land, meaning a partial grant of tenure can proceed without a native title process being undertaken."

"The other call for tenders will cover one area in the Cooper and Eromanga Basins and two areas in the Eromanga Basin. The two areas in the Eromanga Basin are located northwest of Windorah and the one area in the Cooper and Eromanga Basins is west northwest of Noccundra."

These areas contain more than 99% non-exclusive possession land and will require a native title process under the Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth) to be undertaken prior to the grant of the tenure.

Mr Palaszczuk said the release of these areas provided opportunities for the industry to invest in petroleum and coal seam gas exploration.

"This tendering process for exploration acreage may lead to increased discoveries of petroleum and coal seam gas and will enhance economic growth in Queensland," Mr Palaszczuk said.

This is the second time that tenders have been invited for ATPs for petroleum exploration.

The Queensland Government announced this week four preferred tenderers to conduct petroleum exploration on more than 2500 square kilometres of land released in October last year.

The closing time and date for tenders is 4.30pm on 4 August 2006. Tenders can be lodged at the Service Centre, Podium 2, Landcentre, corner of Mains and Vulture streets, Woolloongabba, Queensland.

More information on the land release is available on the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water web site at www.nrm.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350