We’ve compiled a range of fact sheets and evidence-based content to help answer your questions about Australia’s oil and gas industry.
Marine seismic surveys: what you need to know
A marine seismic survey is a method of determining geological features below the sea floor, using a technical process which involves sending sound waves into the rock layers beneath the sea floor and then recording the time is takes for each wave to bounce back as well as measuring the strength of each returning wave. It is the most reliable form of initial exploration for oil and gas and is an essential process in identifying geological features that could contain oil or gas deposits.
Cleaner ozone: the benefits of increased natural gas use
As a cleaner burning source of fuel, natural gas is increasingly being relied upon around the world to meet energy needs. Countries like the United States and China for example, are replacing older electricity generation facilities with natural gas generation and seeing significant improvements in regional emission levels.
South Australia: a history of safe fracking operations
Find out more about South Australia’s onshore oil and gas operations, including the state’s history of safely using hydraulic fracturing.
Economic benefits of an onshore Northern Territory natural gas industry
Learn more about the potential economic benefits of an onshore Northern Territory natural gas industry.
Petroleum helping Greenpeace stay afloat
Greenpeace has been making waves in the Great Australian Bight, using its diesel-fuelled Rainbow Warrior III ship to protest oil exploration. While the activist organisation is quick to boast the vessel is “as sustainable as possible”, it is still, ultimately, reliant on fossil fuels.
Natural gas and hydrogen
Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to generate power using a chemical reaction rather than combustion, producing water and heat as by-products. Although not a source of energy itself, hydrogen can store and deliver usable energy like that produced by natural gas. Once this energy is created it can be used in cars, in houses, for portable power and many more applications.
Queensland oil and gas benefits
Queensland’s economy benefits enormously from its oil and gas industry. In fact, an estimated 39,175 direct and indirect full time jobs were supported by the state’s oil and gas industry in the 2017-2018 fiscal year.
For more information and statistics on the sunshine state’s energy industry, check out our fact sheet.
Australia's investment into understanding onshore drilling & hydraulic fracturing
Since 2011, 14 separate inquiries and investigations have been conducted in Australia into differing aspects of onshore gas activities.
These inquiries and investigations have allowed governments to better understand the science and technology of onshore gas and use of hydraulic fracturing, measure the potential social, health, safety, economic and environmental risks, and form recommendations around industry regulation and ensuring best practice into the future.