According to Tap's December report permits for shale exploration...

According to Tap's December report permits for shale exploration have been awarded to Rusa (subject to Native Title) and Tap will have to make a decision in the next few months as to whether they wish participate in future exploration. I most certainly hope they take up the option as there is a lot of interest from the "Big Boys" in our enormous reserves of shale gas.
"Australia tipped to overtake China in shale boom"

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/australia-tipped-to-overtake-china-in-shale-boom/story-e6frg9df-1226805382078

"AWE Limited defines 11.1 trillion cubic feet of unconventional gas resources in Perth Basin assets"

http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/52569/awe-limited-defines-111-trillion-cubic-feet-of-unconventional-gas-resources-in-perth-basin-assets-52569.html