Greenhouse gas storage authorities

An appropriate resource authority is required before you can conduct any exploration or production activity for greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) storage areas in Queensland.

Resource proponents must consider their objectives when applying for a resource authority to ensure the appropriate exploration, production or storage resource authority is granted.

In Queensland, greenhouse gas storage is regulated under the Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009 (GHG Act), the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004, the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 and the Environmental Protection Act 1994.

The main purpose of the GHG Act is to help reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment by facilitating greenhouse gas storage, and to regulate the exploration and use of underground geological formations or structures to store carbon dioxide (CO₂).

This guide describes the process of carbon capture and storage and carbon sequestration, as well as the types of resource authorities that are granted and administered under the GHG Act, their main features, and how to apply.