Yes,and has been picked up by the...

Yes,and has been picked up by the ABC:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-06/company-gets-green-light-to-look-for-shale-oil-deposits-in-firs/5241408?section=business

"Green light for shale oil search in first step towards fracking application
Posted 1 hour 12 minutes ago

MAP: TAS
An Adelaide-based mining company has been given the green light to look for shale oil and gas in Tasmania's southern midlands.

The Tasmanian Government's granted Petratherm a two year licence to explore for shale oil and gas over about 4000 square kilometres of farmland.

The licence extends from near New Norfolk to Bothwell, and from Ouse to Richmond.

If the company finds sufficient deposits, it will then need to apply for another licence to extract shale oil and gas by fracking.

Oatlands resident Monika Keane says so far Petratherm has not done much to assure locals their farmland is safe.

"Everyone, whether they're directly affected or indirectly affected, deserves to know exactly what we're talking about," she said.

In its statement to the stock exchange, Petratherm says it altered its application after 22 landowners objected to its initial proposal."