The Queensland government has invited resource companies to nominate prospective areas with potential for new petroleum and gas, coal and other resource projects.
The initiative allows the resources sector to put forward areas for future explorations. The nominations will directly inform future land release programmes and competitive tender schedules across the state.
The process represents the first step in implementing reforms outlined in the government’s 2025 Land Release Review. According to the state government, the new framework provides the resources industry with earlier visibility and a clearer pathway for future acreage releases, replacing previous ad hoc and unpredictable release schedules.
The state government has awarded 15 exploration areas through competitive tender processes since 2024, aiming to re-establish investor confidence and build a strong long-term pipeline of exploration projects.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said that exploration remains essential to driving economic growth and securing the state’s future resources pipeline.
“Queensland has the resources, the expertise and the opportunity to lead the next generation of resources development,” Last said.
“Exploration is the foundation of Queensland’s future resources projects, investment and jobs. By asking industry where it sees the greatest potential, we can build a stronger pipeline of projects that supports regional jobs, local suppliers and Queensland’s economy.”
Last added that the approach provides companies with greater certainty to plan and invest in regional communities.
Peak industry body Australian Energy Producers welcomed the announcement, noting that early collaboration gives companies greater operational certainty.
“Inviting industry to help identify the next generation of exploration opportunities is a practical move that will give companies greater visibility and confidence to plan future investment,” Australian Energy Producers General Manager States and Territories Keld Knudsen said.
“More exploration means more opportunities for investment, jobs and local procurement, particularly across regional Queensland.”
