HUGE OIL BELT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17062, 21 September 1929, Page 7

HUGE OIL BELT

HOPES FOR QUEENSLAND SUBSIDY FOE SURVEYS CANBERRA, Sep.. 0. Tn tlio opinion of the Commonwealth Government Geologist, Dr. Woolnough, oij in rich quantities exists in Queensland, in a belt of territory hundreds of miles long. It lies,' probably, in the stretch between Roma and Longreauh, but where a, gusher is most likely to be struck can bo predicted only after very thorough surveys. Important recommendations and ex-, pressioiis of opinion are contained in a report which has been furnished to the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Abbott, by Dr. Woolnough, who considers that geological surveys should be subsidised by the Common wealth Government. He is also of the opinion that drilling without thorough surveys and geological inspec tions should he discouraged. . It is suggested that the Queensland Government might take action by refusing to issue drilling. A certain amount of oil has been made. NECESSITY FOR SURVEYS. I)r. Woolnough returned to Canberra last week, after a visit to the Roma oil area, and before leaving for Western Australia, he prepared a long report' for tho Minister. A certain amount of oii has been produced at/ Roma, and at Loin-each oil is mixed with water in an artesian bore. The main body of oil so far has eluded discovery, and Dr. Woolnough considers it a pity that share investments should have focussed attention on one particular area. In order that the search for oil should be extended to other parts of the belt, it is recommended that the Commonwealth should subsidise geological surveys. It has been suggested that surveys should precede the issue of drilling licences and that when the public is invited to invest in oil companies detailed survey maps should be available. This, however, is a matter for State, and not for Federal legislation.