PETROLEUM RESOURCES OF QUEENSLAND

Abstract

Queensland produces oil mainly from the small Moonie and Alton fields in the Surat Basin. Proven reserves of these two fields were 3262 m3 × 103 initial recoverable. Production began in 1964, after completion of a pipeline, 300 km long, from Moonie to Brisbane. The rate peaked at about 1600 m3 per day, but has since declined to about 200 m3 per day. With the exception of the fields presently supplying the pipeline, virtually no other appreciable reserves of oil or condensate are known in the State.

Gas is produced from a group of small fields near Roma in the Surat Basin and underlying southern Bowen Basin. Proven reserves were 4573 m3 × 106 initial recoverable. Production for other than local use in town lighting (1906), condensation for motor fuel (1928–1931) and electricity generation (1961 –) did not begin until 1969, when a pipeline 450 km long was completed to Brisbane. The rate is currently about 0.83 m3 × 106 per day. In addition to those at Roma, reserves of gas are also known in small fields:

in the Surat and southern Bowen Basin near Surat (about 80 km south of Roma);

in the Bowen Basin near Injune and Springsure (respectively about 80 km and 280 km north-northwest of Roma);

in the Adavale Basin;

in the Queensland portion of the Cooper Basin.

Exploration has been intensive only in parts of the Surat and southern Bowen Basins. Accordingly, persistent efforts in selected areas are likely to lead to success. The more prospective basins in Queensland are considered to be the Adavale, Bowen, Cooper, Galilee, Georgina, and Surat.