Qld opens huge area for gas exploration

Queensland's government has opened up an area the size of the Gulf state of Qatar for oil and gas exploration.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham is calling for expressions of interest to prospect in the Cooper and Eromanga basins in the state's southeast.

"New discoveries of gas resources will support future domestic gas supplies for Queensland as well as our world-leading liquefied natural gas industry," Dr Lynham said on Thursday.

He said the basins, which cover 11,000 square kilometres in total, contain vast petroleum and gas reserves and are considered among Australia's most prospective and commercially-viable regions for deep gas and oil development.

The minister said potential investors would also be able to use $70 billion in existing pipelines, processing facilities and liquefaction plants.

Queensland's GasFields Commission, an independent body overseeing onshore gas development, said it would help manage relationships between explorers, local councils and landholders.

Commissioner John Cotter said the release could help diversify local economies.