Large-scale gas exploration opportunity approved west of Toowoomba

764 square kilometres of land has been approved for gas exploration, and the area lies only a few hours west of Toowoomba.

A new gas exploration project spearheaded by Santos has been given the green light by the Palaszczuk Government, and will begin exploration in the wildly popular and gas rich Surat Basin.

Santos has been granted an Authority to Prospect over a 764 square kilometre block of land 65km east of Surat in southwest Queensland, and the gas located will be made available for the domestic market.

The parcel of land due for exploration lies west of Condamine, and south of Wallumbilla, Jackson, and Miles on the Western Downs.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the government were “serious” about finding gas in the state to help bolster the Australian market.

“The granting of this ATP means Santos has fulfilled all necessary land access agreements, environmental and Native Title requirements and can soon get down to work exploring for gas as part of Queensland’s $70 billion onshore gas industry,” he said.

Energy company Santos has been granted an Authority to Prospect over a 764 square kilometre parcel of land 65km east of Surat in the gas rich Bowen and Surat Basins

“This is yet another example of Queensland doing the heavy lifting on gas and is further proof of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to securing Australia’s energy future.”

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the company would maintain the same momentum they had last year, despite the circumstances.

“Importantly, Queensland and east coast customers pay less for gas than Asian customers and they will continue to enjoy a competitive gas price advantage as we bring more low-cost supply to market from this new ATP and our other Queensland developments,” he said.

“Despite the volatile global environment, Santos and our GLNG partners drilled around 700 wells and invested A$2 billion in gas field developments in Queensland over the last two years.

“This is a huge demonstration of Santos’ commitment to Queensland jobs, Queensland businesses and our regions.

“The gas we produce is supporting Queensland customers across the state as well as exports from the LNG industry out of Gladstone.”

Mr Stewart said Queensland was the only state securing the country’s east coast gas supply, and since 2015 the government has released more than 80,000 square kilometres of land for gas exploration.