Work is underway on Queensland’s annual statewide exploration program to provide a more systematic process for releasing resource exploration tenders and further bolster the state’s $20 billion-plus resources sector.
“The Annual Exploration Program identifies the exploration areas and timing of release, and the Palaszczuk Government’s priorities for the responsible development of our minerals, petroleum and gas, and coal resources,’’ Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said.
“This information helps resource companies plan their exploration and provides additional opportunities to promote Queensland on a global scale,’’ Dr Lynham said today in tabling the Department’s Annual Report.
“The value of Queensland’s resources sector is around $20.56 billion, and Queenslanders can be confident that the Palaszczuk Government’s resources are being used responsibly and sustainably.
“Extensive consultation has 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.”
Other major achievements of the 2016/17 report included:
- Delivering significant reforms to tackle Black Lung recommended by an independent Monash University review and committing $25 million over two years to deliver further reforms, including 68 recommendations by the parliamentary select committee, supported by the Palaszczuk Government.
- Trialling sophisticated new technology in the North West Minerals Province to maximise local mining companies’ chances of exploration success in the region.
- Launching Queensland Globe technology to make the state’s physical, geographical and spatial data more accessible to Queenslanders and, for the first time, provide high-resolution imagery of Queensland.
- Through the Titles Registry, providing a record number of more than 2.5 million title information searches to state agencies and local governments via direct online access.
- Supporting effective vegetation management by using the Early Detection System to check 94 per cent of properties in the state at least once to detect unauthorised clearing.
- Promoting economic development in North Queensland by granting a total of 100,000 megalitres of water from the Flinders River catchment.
- Allocating $6.5 million to projects designed to improve Great Barrier Reef water quality and the Department maintained the reliability and timeliness of water information from the Stream Gauging Station Network at above the 95 per cent benchmark.
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