Crisafulli Government steps on the gas to bring down prices and attract investment
- Nine new areas opened for gas exploration across the Cooper/Eromanga and Bowen/Surat Basins to boost future supply.
- Three-month land release review launched to modernise and streamline how exploration areas are identified and released.
- Initiatives are aimed at unlocking supply and driving new gas investment to bring down energy prices.
The Crisafulli Government is taking action to drive down energy prices by attracting new investment in Queensland's gas industry.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last announced the opening up of new tenures for gas exploration, and a review into how land is released for exploration across the resources sector.
From tomorrow, nine new areas will made available for tender across the Cooper/Eromanga and Bowen/Surat Basins. The tender areas include both conventional and unconventional gas opportunities.
Production from the tenure release would put downward pressure on energy prices, after Labor's anti-gas policies sent investment off a cliff.
Importantly, no land release areas intersect with the Lake Eyre Basin Strategic Environmental Area – Designated Precinct.
A targeted three-month land release review will get underway today, aiming to improve the efficiency and transparency of opening areas for exploration.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the initiatives will make Queensland more attractive for gas investment.
"The best way to bring down energy prices is to have more energy in the market, and that starts with exploration," Minister Last said.
"These steps are about unlocking new supply, securing an investment pipeline and getting the right policy settings in place so Queensland can lead the way on energy security.
"Unscientific decisions made by the southern states have left Queensland carrying the load for the east coast gas market. We need a regulatory framework that supports new development, instead of holding it back."
The 2025 Land Release Review will ensure land is made available in a way that balances the needs of the resources sector with environmental, agricultural, and community interests.
It will consider changes to the land release expression of interest process, the land release area selection process, and the competitive tender process.
Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the announcements demonstrated Queensland's strong commitment to ensuring reliable and affordable energy for Queenslanders.
"We particularly welcome the announcement that tenders for nine parcels of land for gas and petroleum exploration are now open – a critical step in securing the future gas supply Australian households and industry will need," Ms McCulloch said.
"Queensland is already doing the heavy lifting to keep the lights on and ensure reliable gas supply along the east coast of Australia.
"Queensland's energy leadership continues to drive economic growth and underpin billions in royalties that fund essential services and commend the government's proactive approach to unlocking the state's natural gas potential and securing its energy future.
"The Queensland gas industry is powering the state's economy, supporting jobs, regional communities and spending more than $80 billion with local businesses each year."
