An outback refinery, in the Queensland town of Eromanga, could soon expand its capabilities, as the State Government unlocks the development of Australia’s first oil field in 50 years at the Taroom Trough.
The first barrels of oil from the Taroom Trough are making their way into the domestic fuel supply with Shell producing 200 barrels of high-quality crude oil a day, which is being refined at iOR’s Eromanga refinery, and produced into diesel.
The Eromanga refinery is located in remote Queensland. Since opening in 1986, it has continuously processed up to 1250 barrels per day of locally produced crude oil.
To support the development of the Taroom Trough as a major oil supply for domestic fuel, the Queensland Government has announced it will streamline roads and trunk infrastructure under a new Taroom Trough Development Plan, prepared under a Works Regulation overseen by Queensland’s Coordinator-General.
Premier David Crisafulli said streamlining exploration and production of the Taroom Trough was critical for long-term fuel security for Australia.
“Unlocking the Taroom Trough is critical to locking in future national fuel security,” Premier Crisafulli said. “This is about streamlining the process and coordinating infrastructure needed to get it out of the ground sooner. “
The Taroom Trough Development Plan will establish a whole-of-basin framework to guide the fast tracking of an efficient and responsible development of oil and gas resources in the region.
The Queensland Government is hoping the Australian Government will recognise the Taroom Trough as a project of national interest and streamline approvals, to get more oil produced sooner.
“It’s there, now it’s up to all levels of government to get it flowing,” added Crisafulli.
“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.
“National fuel security is about drilling, refining and storing fuel locally for refuelling family cars, transporting food, and harvesting crops.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the Queensland Government was sending a clear message that Queensland is open for business and ready to unlock the opportunities under our feet.
“My message to the explorers is simple – I’ll sign, you drill,” 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.”
The post Small outback refinery tipped for expansion in bid to bolster national fuel security appeared first on Big Rigs.