Squiz Shortcuts: What is the Taroom Trough?

This Squiz Today episode explores the Taroom Trough, a major new oil and gas exploration site in Queensland that has gained national attention amid global fuel supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Hosts Alice Dempster and Andrew Williams break down what the Taroom Trough is—a deep geological formation rich in high-quality light crude oil and natural gas—why it's significant, and the challenges involved in extracting it. Despite its potential to meet up to a quarter of Australia’s fuel needs and being the country’s first new oil field in 50 years, the project faces hurdles including high extraction costs ($40–90 per barrel), complex drilling techniques like fracking, and serious environmental concerns, particularly regarding its location beneath the Great Artesian Basin and on farmland used for grazing and crops. Political tensions between Queensland’s Liberal National government and the federal Labor government add another layer, as state leaders push for fast-tracked approvals while federal regulators demand formal assessments. The episode also touches on the broader debate over whether developing new fossil fuel projects aligns with Australia’s climate goals. In a separate segment, Alice interviews Bella Pereira, founder of Australian fashion label Bear Park, about her new collaboration with ComBank to design the bank’s corporate wardrobe, highlighting themes of functionality, timeless design, and support for local women-led businesses.