Australia’s Onshore Drilling – Monthly Wrap Up

From the desk of Gary King, Manager, Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) 

At AWCC, we pride ourselves on being more than a training centre – we are industry partners, committed to keeping our clients, colleagues, and communities informed on the trends shaping Australia’s high-risk industries. This month, the onshore drilling sector continues to show resilience and innovation, while offshore developments remind us of the scale and longevity of Australia’s oil and gas footprint. 

Onshore Activity: Steady Rigs, Strategic Growth 

Australia recorded five active rotary rigs in August, unchanged month-on-month and up from three at the same time last year. Though modest compared to global peers, this activity is strategically significant: a single campaign in the Beetaloo or Surat Basin can shift the national tally. 

Exploration spend across the June quarter rose slightly in minerals but dipped in petroleum, highlighting the competitive pull between mining and hydrocarbons for capital and labour.

Policy Backdrop: Balancing Exports and Domestic Needs 

The federal gas market review continues to dominate industry discussion, with stakeholders and state governments weighing reservation-style reforms. Queensland maintains its domestic-supply conditioned acreage awards, and Western Australia’s long-standing 15% reservation policy is still a global benchmark. 

For industry, the message is clear: drilling approvals and investment decisions are increasingly linked to domestic energy security as much as export potential. 

Offshore Milestones: Extending the Horizon 

While our focus is onshore, offshore remains critical: 

• North West Shelf (Woodside): The Commonwealth has approved the extension of NWS LNG operations to 2070, with strict environmental conditions. 

• Scarborough / Pluto Train 2: Construction is on schedule, with first LNG expected in 2026. 

• Barossa / Darwin LNG: First gas is imminent, offering a vital restart for NT processing. 

These projects will shape demand for Australian labour, services, and compliance frameworks for decades. 

Industry Bench Strength 

At the operational level, the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Australasia Chapter continues to champion HSE leadership across drilling contractors, both land and offshore. Associations and technical forums remain essential in aligning industry best practice with regulatory expectations. 

For us at AWCC, this reinforces our purpose: to train, develop, and certify a workforce capable of meeting these exacting standards. 

What It Means for AWCC and Our Partners 

• Training Demand: With steady land rigs and upcoming multi-well programs, certified drill crews, safety officers, and support staff remain in high demand. 

• Innovation: Offshore megaprojects and onshore CSG campaigns are increasingly reliant on digitalisation, remote ops, and VR/AR simulation — all areas where AWCC is investing heavily. 

• Energy Transition: Alongside hydrocarbons, Australia is scaling up solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage, demonstrating that the workforce must be agile across both traditional and emerging energy systems. 

Closing 

The onshore drilling sector may not generate daily headlines, but its steady performance underpins Australia’s broader energy picture. At AWCC, we remain committed to supporting this industry with world-class training, compliance assurance, and workforce development. 

Together with our partners — from operators and contractors to regulators and communities — we will continue to strengthen Australia’s role as a safe, innovative, and responsible energy producer. 

Gary King 
Manager, Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) 

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