PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland state government on Thursday said that it was working to provide a more systematic process to release resource exploration tenders in the state.
The yearly exploration programme identifies the exploration areas and timing of release, as well as the government’s priorities for the responsible development of the state's resources.
“This information helps resource companies plan their exploration and provides additional opportunities to promote Queensland on a global scale," Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said in tabling the department’s yearly report.
The Minister noted that extensive consultation had occurred, resulting in an increase in land acreage releases particularly for petroleum and gas to help tackle the looming east coast gas shortage.
“Introduction of a more streamlined tender process for petroleum and gas tenders to better support the industry and the identification of two potential areas, for domestic supply only, are initiatives delivering on our commitment to creating economic opportunities in a balanced and sustainable fashion.”
The Queensland resources sector is worth an estimated A$20.56-billion, with Lynham saying that residents in the state should be confident that the resources were being used responsibly and sustainably.