The Queensland government has unveiled a AU$19 million budget package to strengthen the state’s domestic fuel manufacturing and fast-track resource extraction in the gas-rich Taroom Trough.
The investment aims to revive Queensland’s sovereign capability to produce, refine and store fuel locally, reducing vulnerability to volatile global supply chains.
At the heart of the initiative is a AU$11.9 million allocation dedicated to the Taroom Trough Development Plan. Located in the Western Downs, the basin is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most vital prospective onshore oil and gas reserves.
The state funding establishes a whole-of-basin framework to coordinate regulatory approvals and deliver the certainties required to attract major private investment.
A separate AU$7.1 million has been allocated for the state’s Future Fuels Program. This portion will fund targeted investigations into refining and fuel conversion opportunities, alongside upgrading vulnerable bulk liquid fuel storage assets across regional Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Jarrod Bleijie said the funding ensures Queenslanders are not left exposed to international energy market shocks.
“We are building a stronger, more resilient state by drilling, refining and storing more of our own fuel right here in Queensland,” Bleijie said.
“This is about backing regional jobs, unlocking private investment and making sure Queenslanders aren’t left exposed to global supply shocks.”
The investment lands amidst an aggressive exploration surge in the region. Junior explorer Omega Oil & Gas is poised to launch its next major multi-well drilling campaign this month, while global heavyweight Shell has commenced work on Queensland’s largest ever 3D seismic survey to map the trough’s deep subsurface structures.
Concurrently, Denison Gas has confirmed massive new strikes in the nearby Denison Trough capable of powering every household in the state for five years.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last highlighted that Queensland already meets more than 90 per cent of Australia’s domestic east-coast gas demands.
He added that the newly released exploration permits and budget guarantees would secure high-wage regional manufacturing and mining jobs for decades to come.
“Queensland has the resources, the technical expertise and the workforce to continue leading the way in advancing Australia’s fuel security – and this Budget backs that ambition,” Last said.
