Onshore petroleum exploration acreage release

Abstract

The petroleum industry in Australia is going through a major development phase with export LNG projects under construction on both the east and west coasts. Initial exploration for shale and tight gas has opened up new plays as well as increasing interest in many sedimentary basins that have been overlooked. Access to land onshore in Australia for petroleum exploration is, in some States, through a formal release process by the relevant jurisdiction. This is a compilation of material supplied by the States and Northern Territory in relation to land being made available onshore for petroleum exploration. Not all jurisdictions have new acreage available for exploration. In these cases, new initiatives being undertaken that directly relate to accessing land for exploration or the present state of exploration activity will be highlighted. Land that is being made available for exploration will generally be accompanied by information regarding its geological setting and petroleum potential. Previous exploration activity may be in summaries, including information in relation to the amount of pre-existing data available to future explorers. Exploration opportunities may include conventional and unconventional targets. The review of the areas may also include maps and sections related to the land being made available.