ATTRACTIVE QUEENSLAND ONSHORE BASINS

Abstract

Basin studies by the Geological Survey of Queensland indicate that for a variety of reasons, the Permian strata of the southern Bowen Basin, the Galilee Basin and the Queensland portion of the Cooper Basin have considerable hydrocarbon potential. The Devonian strata of the Adavale Basin are also attractive; their relatively great depth (3,640 m at Gilmore) markedly increases drilling costs, but larger reserves could compensate for this. Interesting prospects on a smaller scale exist in the Jurassic strata of the Surat Basin and Triassic strata of the underlying southern Bowen Basin; the availability of relatively close well and seismic control plus pipeline infrastructure makes this area attractive to smaller operators. In addition to collating data lodged by petroleum explorers, the Geological Survey is actively assisting in the search by drilling core holes to a maximum depth of 1,220 m for stratigraphic information.