- The Crisafulli Government is restoring Queensland's ability to produce, refine and store fuel locally through the Fuel Security Plan.
- The 2026-27 Budget is unlocking the Taroom Trough with $19 million to boost Queensland's sovereign capability.
- Work in the Taroom Trough is well underway with Omega Oil & Gas preparing to begin their next drilling campaign this month.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering practical action to strengthen fuel security, create regional jobs and build sovereign capability after the former Labor Government deserted the industries that keep Queensland running.
The Crisafulli Government is taking another step towards strengthening fuel security, delivering $19 million in the 2026-27 Budget to support Queensland's Fuel Security Plan to produce fuel, grow regional industries and build a stronger, more resilient economy.
This investment is welcome news for the companies operating in the Taroom Trough, with Omega Oil & Gas preparing to begin its next drilling campaign this month.
Shell has recently commenced work on what will be the largest 3D seismic survey completed in Queensland to map the subsurface of the Taroom Trough resource, with Elixir Energy commencing production testing of high impact appraisal wells and engineering work to connect them to market.
Encouragingly, Denison Gas has found significant further resources in the Denison Trough that could meet the energy needs of every Queensland home for five years.
The Budget investment delivers on key priorities under the Queensland Fuel Security Plan and reinforces the Government's commitment to accelerate domestic fuel supply and support future development to reduce reliance on global supply chains.
A key part of the package is unlocking the enormous potential of the Taroom Trough – one of Australia's most promising prospective oil and gas basins – through strategic planning to position Queensland to supply more gas and liquid fuels into the domestic market.
The Budget has $11.9 million allocated to support the Taroom Trough Development Plan with a whole-of-basin framework to support orderly, efficient and responsible development of the reserves, while giving industry the certainty needed to invest with confidence.
A further $7.1 million will support Queensland's Future Fuels Program, including work to unlock additional domestic fuel supply, investigate refining and fuel conversion opportunities, and strengthen fuel storage and infrastructure resilience across the state.
These initiatives complement the Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program, which provides a framework for industry to bring forward new refining and storage projects, identify suitable land, and streamline approvals to improve Queensland's long-term fuel security.
Led by the Coordinator-General and supported by Economic Development Queensland, the program has already attracted 35 Expressions of Interest from Australian and international companies.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the investment demonstrated the Crisafulli Government was taking practical action to strengthen Queensland's economy.
"Labor had no plan for Queensland's fuel security but we are building a stronger, more resilient State by drilling, refining and storing more of our own fuel right here in Queensland," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"This is about backing regional jobs, unlocking private investment and making sure Queenslanders aren't left exposed to global supply shocks.
"The former Labor Government abandoned regional Queenslanders, but the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of building a stronger, more resilient economy that delivers home-grown fuel solutions."
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the investment demonstrated the Crisafulli Government's commitment to back in a resources industry that delivers long-term prosperity for Queensland.
"Queensland has the resources, the technical expertise and the workforce to continue leading the way in advancing Australia's fuel security – and this Budget backs that ambition." Minister Last said.
"Queensland already supplies more than 90 per cent of gas to the domestic market. We've released 21 new areas for oil and gas exploration, and this investment ensures we continue unlocking opportunities in the Taroom Trough, while investigating ways to expand Queensland's refining and fuel storage capability.
"For too long, Queensland's energy security has been ignored. We are strengthening sovereign capabilities and growing regional economies after the former Labor Government deserted the industries that keep Australia running."
Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said strengthening Queensland's fuel security was about backing our regional industries, supporting local jobs and ensuring Queensland was better prepared for the future.
"This investment helps unlock the Taroom Trough and positions Queensland to deliver more reliable, home-grown fuel supply," Ms Leahy said.
"Our Budget provides the certainty industry needs to invest and grow, supporting responsible development in the Taroom Trough to drive regional opportunities and strengthen Australia's domestic fuel supply."
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Cr Andrew Smith said the Western Downs had earnt its reputation as the Energy Capital of Queensland.
"We're proud of the role our region plays in powering homes, supporting industry and helping drive the state's economic growth," Mayor Smith said.
"The work underway in the Taroom Trough reflects the strength of the resources, expertise and industry capability that have helped make the Western Downs one of Australia's leading energy regions. It also has the potential to deliver real benefits for the regional communities and businesses whose hard work, innovation and enterprise have helped make Queensland the state it is today.
"The Western Downs has always stepped up when Queensland has needed us, and we'll continue doing what we've always done: helping power our state's growth and prosperity."
Omega Oil & Gas Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Trevor Brown said the work was proof of Queensland delivering energy security for Australia.
"We are partnering with highly competent service providers and suppliers to execute all stages of our program – and with our industry partners and the Queensland Government we are planning future development scenarios and infrastructure pathways to market," said Mr Brown.
"The Queensland Government's strong backing of the resource sector to bring on new supply has been very important. The best incentive is policy certainty. Capital flows where there's confidence and certainty.
"Our top priority is Australian energy security. Producing more oil and gas here at home means greater supply, greater resilience and less reliance on imports."
