- The Crisafulli Government is unlocking Australia's first oil field in 50 years, at the Taroom Trough, for future fuel security.
- Strategic infrastructure delivery and assessment to be streamlined under a State Government Taroom Trough Development Plan.
- The Crisafulli Government calls on the Federal Government to assess the Taroom Trough under the National Interest Fast-Track Assessment Pathway, removing delays in bringing mass oil production to market.
Queensland is unlocking the development of Australia's first oil field in 50 years at the Taroom Trough, to bolster the nation's long-term fuel security, with streamlined support under a new Taroom Trough Development Plan.
The first barrels of oil from the Taroom Trough are now making their way into the domestic fuel supply with Shell producing 200 barrels of high-quality crude oil a day, which is being refined at iOR's Eromanga refinery, and produced into diesel.
To support the development of the Taroom Trough as a major oil supply for domestic fuel, the Crisafulli Government has announced it will streamline roads and trunk infrastructure under a new Taroom Trough Development Plan, prepared under a Works Regulation overseen by Queensland's Coordinator-General.
The Taroom Trough Development Plan will establish a whole-of-basin framework to guide the fast tracking of an efficient and responsible development of oil and gas resources in the region.
The Crisafulli Government is also calling for the Federal Government to recognise the Taroom Trough as a project of national interest and streamline EPBC approvals under the National Interest Fast-Track Assessment Pathway, which is already in place for other major projects.
The National Interest Fast-Track Assessment Pathway will remove duplicated approvals already conducted at a State level, allowing oil to be produced without unnecessary delay.
Premier David Crisafulli said streamlining exploration and production of the Taroom Trough was critical for long-term fuel security for Australia.
"Unlocking the Taroom Trough is critical to locking in future national fuel security," Premier Crisafulli said.
"This is about streamlining the process and coordinating infrastructure needed to get it out of the ground sooner.
"It's there, now it's up to all levels of government to get it flowing.
"Never again should we be left without the ability to generate domestic fuel supply, this is a generational opportunity to ensure we're not left at the end of a global supply chain.
"National fuel security is about drilling, refining and storing fuel locally for refuelling family cars, transporting food, and harvesting crops."
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said he had directed the Queensland Coordinator-General to immediately prepare a Works Regulation for Governor-in-Council approval, to streamline strategic infrastructure delivery and assessment under a Taroom Trough Development Plan.
"The Crisafulli Government is pulling all levers to unlock more domestic energy production," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Coordinated development in the Taroom Trough will increase domestic energy security, regional investment and job creation while providing certainty for approvals."
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was sending a clear message that Queensland is open for business and is ready to unlock the opportunities under our feet.
"My message to the explorers is simple - I'll sign, you drill," Minister Last said.
"This could open up Australia's first major oil province since the 1970s – we back the potential of the Taroom Trough and we'll continue supporting it with approvals and certainty.
"We'll play our part, but we're asking the Federal Government to play their part under the National Interest Fast-Track Assessment Pathway."
Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said a coordinated approach to the development of the Taroom Trough represented a significant opportunity for all of Queensland.
"I look forward to working with all stakeholders to facilitate the Taroom Trough Development Plan and working with State agencies and the Federal Government to streamline approvals," the Coordinator-General said.
