Queensland’s first exploration forward plan released Wednesday will deliver certainty and opportunity to the state’s resources sector and to local communities, according to the state government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minister for State Development and Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham released the first annual exploration program on Wednesday,, setting out the 826 square kilometres of land to be made available for minerals, coal, and petroleum and gas exploration over the next 12 months.
The seven areas range from parcels of land near Cloncurry though the Bowen and Surat Basins.
“The Palaszczuk Government recognises that exploration is vital to discovering the resources that will drive the resources industry and help to deliver job creation, regional development and economic growth for Queensland,” Dr Lynham said.
“The community wants clear information that is timely and no surprises, and that’s what an annual exploration program will deliver.”
Among the areas to be released are 102 sq km for minerals exploration in the North West Minerals Province, to be released by September 2016
The area will be released for competitive tenders, and the successful tenderers will have to meet environmental and other requirements, including negotiating land access and compensation agreements with landholders and, where applicable, negotiate native title arrangements with traditional owners.
Dr Lynham said the release comes on top of the exploration concessions announced earlier this year, which allow explorers a reduction of up to 50 per cent over 2016 and 2017 on the expenditure they have to commit under their exploration permit.
“An annual forward program will allow resources explorers and miners to plan ahead for future opportunities,” Dr Lynham said.
“The resource sector is critical to our economy and our regional communities and that’s why we continue to provide a positive investment environment with our royalties freeze, the lowest payroll tax rate in the country and our heavy investment in innovation. “
For more information about the annual exploration program and exploration tendering visit dnrm.qld.gov.au/resources-tenders
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
