Dr Stephen Hinchliffe from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources said the consultation process aimed to draw on the interests, opinions, knowledge and ideas from a broad range of participants with an interest in this industry.

He said the framework would overcome the challenges faced by the sector, such as identifying areas for geological exploitation, development of supporting technologies, ecological impacts, cultural heritage, community awareness, inter-agency jurisdictions and attracting investment.

"The department... recognises however that the knowledge and capability to overcome such challenges is dispersed amongst different groups and collaboration will be needed to achieve the potential of the sector in Australia," he said.

"As such, the Government is seeking to establish a nexus between these groups, thus removing the potential impediment of fragmentation within the industry."

Global engineering and consulting group Sinclair Knight Merz has been commissioned by the DoITR to deliver the development framework and technology roadmap through consultations at four workshops.

Key areas to be looked at during the consultation process include training and skills development requirements, an assessment of the legislative and regulatory framework, an analysis of private-sector financing structures and government financing support, as well as community concerns related to the development of a geothermal industry in Australia.

Target stakeholders include the geothermal energy industry members, other energy producers, research and development representatives, education and training providers, government agencies, potential investors and community members.

Finalisation of any framework would be at the discretion of the incoming government.

For more information and workshop registrations, visit online: www.geothermalframework.net.au