The Australian Government is now operating in line with Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

North Bowen and Galilee Strategic Basin Plan

Date published:
20 September 2021

Topics

Mining, oil and gas
Oil and gas

Publisher

Department of Industry, Science and Resources

This plan was published before May 2022 under the previous Australian Government.

The North Bowen and Galilee basins have significant potential to produce more gas and other resources.

The strategic basin plan identifies opportunities and provides a pathway to manage challenges. It takes measured steps to gather data and demonstrate commercial opportunities that will attract investment to the region.

This is the digital publication of the strategic basin plan.

Minister’s foreword

Australia’s abundance of natural resources has contributed to the modern economy we enjoy today.

Summary of the plan

The North Bowen and Galilee basins in Queensland contain significant untapped gas resources. Modelling has revealed gas production in the region could be worth up to $2.5 billion each year, and deliver up to 5,500 j...

Action plan

Read about the activities and challenges that we will undertake.

Immediate actions

Crack complex geological challenges, prove the gas resources across the basins and plan for infrastructure upgrades.

Next steps

Improve regulatory processes, identify industrial opportunities and boost job opportunities for workers in the region.

Delivering the strategic basin plan

Development of the North Bowen and Galilee is safe, sound and sustainable.

About the basins

The basins are located in central Queensland. The plan focuses on a defined area that encompasses Townsville to the north, Mackay to the east, Emerald to the south and Longreach to the west.

Unlocking potential resources

The North Bowen and Galilee are best known for their high quality coal. However, there has been widespread exploration for other resources in the basins. Industry has developed some of these resources, and there may...

Future outlook

The strategic basin plan supports the government’s vision for the world’s most advanced, innovative and successful resources sector.