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New guidelines enable transfer of gas infrastructure

Home>News>New guidelines enable transfer of gas infrastructure

A new guideline has been published by Department of Environment and Science (DES) to help facilitate the transfer of infrastructure from petroleum and gas activities (like bores, access tracks, small dams, fences and sheds) to Queensland landholders. The process is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to work in partnership with industry to keep the economy moving through COVID-19 recovery.

DES recognises the value of certain petroleum and gas infrastructure, particularly for agriculture, and that landholders could significantly benefit from having access to these assets. As part of any transfer, the operator will need to ensure that the infrastructure is safe, stable and doesn’t cause environmental harm. The types of infrastructure that can be transferred include items commonly constructed on farmland such as bores, access tracks, hardstand areas, pipes and pumps for irrigation, fences and sheds. Water storage dams are also included but require specific consideration. These types of infrastructure have an ongoing value to landholders.

To transfer petroleum infrastructure, the petroleum operator and landholder will need to come to an agreement in writing. Depending on the infrastructure they wish to transfer, the operator may need an approval from the department to amend their licence. A new guideline has been produced to assist petroleum operators with this process.

  • An information sheet to inform landholders of their options and provide guidance has also been published.
  • The new guideline and accompanying fact sheet for transferring petroleum infrastructure to landholders are available on the DES website.

What should landholders expect?

If you’re a landholder in the Surat, Galilee or Bowen Basins and wish to know more about what to expect regarding land access, the GasFields Commission (the Commission) strongly encourages you to download a copy of our flagship publication, The Gas Guide, to obtain all the information you need to negotiate a fair and reasonable outcome should a resource company request to operate on your land.

Gas Guide 2.0 catalogues pertinent information that landholders need to know about the various stages of petroleum and gas development in Queensland – including a chapter outlining ‘Land Rehabilitation & Asset Handover’ (see Chapter 9).

If you have any questions regarding the exploration process, Queensland’s onshore gas industry, please contact us directly via: