Overview
- Omega TN, Tri-Star Stonecroft, and Drillsearch were appointed as preferred tenderers to explore the Taroom Trough near Miles.
- The 750 square kilometre tenement is promoted by the state as a prospect for Australia's first major new oil province since the 1970s.
- Any gas produced would go first to Australian households and businesses under the Australian Market Supply Condition.
- Analysts cite encouraging early results in the area while warning that single wells can cost about $15–$20 million and outcomes remain uncertain.
- Conservation groups oppose the move over groundwater risks, emissions, and impacts on prime farmland, alleging a broken promise to protect the Darling Downs.