Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Anthony Lynham has announced the Queensland Government has opened up for exploration a further 6,600 square kilometres of land with coal seam gas potential. Tenders are open until 28 February 2019 for companies to bid on the right to explore the land in Southern Queensland, west of Chinchilla in the Bowen and Surat basins.

Source: Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy

The 6,636 square kilometre release is made up of 10 areas and junior, mid-tier and new entrant explorers are invited to apply, via competitive cash tender, for the right to explore for petroleum and gas in the established basins. Two areas, totalling 917 square kilometres, will be subject to provisions to ensure the gas produced from these areas is supplied exclusively to the domestic market.

Dr Lynham has described the land as 'perfectly placed for companies wanting to hit the ground running', given the Bowen and Surat basins are already supported by extensive pipeline and transport infrastructure. The Queensland Government has called for companies that have adequate financial capabilities and the right skills to explore, develop and take these resources to the market.

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