The Queensland government has opened up another 6600-plus square kilometres of unexplored land for gas exploration.

It has earmarked more than 900 km2 of it to supply the Australian market only.

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said companies can bid for the right to explore for gas south-west of Chinchilla in the Bowen and Surat basins.

“A secure domestic gas supply is on everyone’s lips right now, and Queensland continues to do the heavy lifting, releasing more land for exploration and putting the right policy levers in place to encourage investment,” Dr Lynham said.

“The provisions the Government has placed on 917 km2 of this land will help with gas security for Australian manufacturers and fuel Australian jobs.

“As well as maintaining gas security in our own back yard, the remaining land for exploration will strengthen Queensland’s ability to deliver on lucrative, long term export contracts worth $11.4 billion to the local economy this year alone.”

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed the move.

“More gas being produced is good news for all gas customers, both domestic and export,” he said.

The state government also announced yesterday that one of the world’s largest zinc companies Teck has been granted a permit to explore 102 square kilometres near Cloncurry.

“This is a huge boost for exploration in Queensland with the Canadian mining powerhouse exploring in the state’s mineral rich North West Minerals Province,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“This province has the potential to unearth vast amounts of copper, zinc and gold which are the minerals used in new technologies including batteries, mobile phones and solar panels.

“The ongoing strength of our resources sector will lock in economic gains for all Queenslanders.

“Only stable and predictable policy will ensure investment in exploration leads to new investment, new jobs and new exports for Queensland.”

The Queensland resources sector now provides one in every six dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 businesses across the State all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass.