New Oil Frontier To Protect Burdekin Fuel Security

The Queensland Government has announced the Taroom Trough Development Plan, a strategic initiative designed to fast-track oil and gas production to bolster the nation’s long-term fuel reserves. Photo credit: David Crisafulli's Office

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Member for Burdekin and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, says "I’ll sign, you drill" as State moves to unlock first domestic oil field in 50 years.

Fuel security for Burdekin farmers and families has taken a significant step forward with the State Government moving to unlock Australia’s first major oil field in half a century.

The Queensland Government has announced the Taroom Trough Development Plan, a strategic initiative designed to fast-track oil and gas production to bolster the nation’s long-term fuel reserves.

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Member for Burdekin and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, said the project sends a clear message that Queensland is ready to capitalise on the resources "under our feet.”

“My message to the explorers is simple—I’ll sign, you drill,” Minister Last said.

“This could open up Australia’s first major oil province since the 1970s—we back the potential of the Taroom Trough and we’ll continue supporting it with approvals and certainty.”

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The development is already yielding results, with Shell currently producing 200 barrels of high-quality crude oil a day. The supply is being refined into diesel at iOR’s Eromanga refinery—a critical resource for regional industries.

Premier David Crisafulli said domestic production is vital to ensuring Queenslanders are not left at the mercy of international markets.

“National fuel security is about drilling, refining and storing fuel locally for refuelling family cars, transporting food, and harvesting crops,” the Premier said.

“Never again should we be left without the ability to generate domestic fuel supply, this is a generational opportunity to ensure we’re not left at the end of a global supply chain.”

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To accelerate the project, the State Government has called on the Federal Government to assess the Taroom Trough under the National Interest Fast-Track Assessment Pathway. This move aims to remove duplicated approvals and bring mass production to market sooner.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed he has directed the Queensland Coordinator-General to immediately prepare a Works Regulation to streamline infrastructure delivery, including roads and trunk services.

Deputy Premier Bleijie said that they’re, “Pulling all levers to unlock more domestic energy production.”  

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“Coordinated development in the Taroom Trough will increase domestic energy security, regional investment and job creation while providing certainty for approvals.”

Minister Last emphasized that while the State is moving quickly, federal cooperation is now the missing piece of the puzzle.

“We’ll play our part, but we’re asking the Federal Government to play their part under the National Interest Fast-Track Assessment Pathway,” he said.

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