Queensland exploration program

The Queensland exploration program (QEP) provides a release schedule for exploration opportunities for petroleum and gas and coal to the end of 2019. The program outlines the tender process and provides details on the location of each exploration tender area and the timing of each competitive tender process.

The table below outlines the planned competitive tendering exploration releases.

For more details download the Queensland exploration program 2018 (PDF, 1.2MB).

You can also view maps of the releases in MinesOnlineMaps.

Please note:

• Once connected, select 'I want to...Turn map data on/off'
• Then, follow the file path Operational Layer > Permit Administration Areas > Advertised Areas.

You can also download the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data files for areas identified in the QEP (before they are released as tenders) for petroleum and gas, and coal via the Queensland Spatial website.

Table 1: Release schedule for petroleum and gas and coal areas in the QEP 2018

Stakeholder engagement

Prior to the release of the QEP, directly affected stakeholders (including landholders, traditional owners and local governments), as well as community groups and peak representative groups were engaged regarding the potential exploration areas. The information provided enables stakeholders to be better prepared for, participation in future exploration approval processes and negotiations.

We will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the competitive tendering process.

At the conclusion of the competitive tendering process, a preferred tenderer must meet environmental, native title and any other approval requirements before they can be granted an exploration authority. When an exploration authority has been granted, the preferred tenderer must complete land access arrangements and any other approval requirements prior to commencing on-ground exploration activities.

Exploration programs

The QEP continues to build upon the exploration opportunities that have been released in Queensland over the past two years through the Annual exploration program.

For more details on the previous exploration programs download the Annual exploration program 2017-18 (PDF, 1.2MB) and Annual exploration program 2016-2017 (PDF, 1MB).

Contact us

• Email resources-tenders@dnrme.qld.gov.au or phone +61 7 3199 7334 for help and information about exploration opportunities.
• Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date on competitive tendering, including the annual exploration program and upcoming tenders.

Also consider...

• Request that an area be considered for future exploration programs.
• Find out about the competitive tendering process.
• View current tenders for exploration.
• Read about the Strategic Resources Exploration Program to expand exploration in North West Queensland.