Australia's NT Launches Gas Plan

Australia's Northern Territory (NT) has recreated a Gas Task Force – disbanded by the previous centre-right Country Liberal Party (CLP) government – to implement a five-point strategy to capitalise on its gas industry, local media reported September 5.

Addressing a conference in Darwin, the capital, the head of NT's Labor Party-governed legislative assembly Michael Gunner reportedly said that the strategy would create jobs through exploration, production, supply, export, manufacturing, research and innovation. Among its goals are more LNG for Darwin; a bigger gas supply and service industry; and a gas manufacturing industry.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) contrasted NT favourably with other parts of the country. "At the same time that southern states continue to restrict development of new gas supplies, the NT Government is showing strong leadership and supporting jobs and growth through its willingness to get on with developing its own resources,” it said.

“Darwin is home to what is becoming a world class LNG hub based on the existing DLNG project and the soon-to-be producing Ichthys project along with the Prelude FLNG facility offshore. Appea’s member companies stand ready to invest billions of dollars in new projects offshore and onshore in the Territory. These companies are determined to do this in a safe and sustainable manner and to generate real benefits for all Territorians.”

There is a substantial resource of onshore shale gas, including in the Beetaloo Basin, where a moratorium to explore for gas has now been lifted. Australian operator Origin Energy plans to revisit the area next year. Gunner was speaking at the South East Asia Australia Offshore and Onshore Gas Conference. The task force will be headed by Paul Tyrell, a former head of the Department of Chief Minister and described as a top Territory mandarin. Labor took over from the CLP-led government after NT elections in 2016.