Deputy Chief Minister
Minister for Mining and Energy
Media Release
$170m investment fuels the Territory's onshore gas development
5 December 2024
More than $170 million in private investment is flowing into onshore gas exploration and production in the Beetaloo Sub-basin and Amadeus Basin, reinforcing the Territory's role as a leader in energy development.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said this significant investment was a key step in advancing gas production, with first gas from the Beetaloo Sub-basin anticipated in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and successful appraisal outcomes.
"The Beetaloo Sub-basin's development is a top priority for the CLP Government, as it delivers energy security, drives private investment, creates jobs, and strengthens the Territory's competitive advantage," said Mr Maley.
"Developing these resources is pivotal, not only to rebuilding the Territory's economy but also safeguarding our regional and national energy security.
"Investment like this is crucial to the development of the onshore gas industry in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, as well as to the expansion of existing production activities in the Amadeus Basin."
Mr Maley last month visited the Beetaloo Sub-basin to inspect current operations by Tamboran Resources at its Shenandoah South site.
"Both Tamboran and Empire Energy are leading the way in activity and investment in the Beetaloo, with both companies preparing to deliver gas to the Territory market," he said.
"The CLP Government is rebuilding the Territory's economy and backing private investment, with significant planning already underway for critical infrastructure and services to support industry's huge investment in the highly prospective Beetaloo."
Empire Energy last week announced it had secured a $65 million Beetaloo Financing Package which would see an expansion of exploration, appraisal and development activities for its Pilot project. The company last month commenced drilling its Carpentaria 5H well.
Significant exploration programs are underway in the Beetaloo, with Santos nearing completion of its 255km seismic survey.
This is a low impact survey to gain a better understanding of the geology of the area to inform planning for drilling and flow testing of two new wells.
In the Amadeus Basin, west of Alice Springs, Central Petroleum and its joint venture partners continue to invest in gas production and increasing its supply to the Territory, with the drilling of two new wells this month.
Central Petroleum has been producing gas since the early 1980s, and along with its joint venture partners will continue to plan for additional production wells in 2025.
"This $170 million private investment is key to driving economic growth, supporting critical industries, and cementing the Territory as the preferred place to invest and do business in resource exploration, mining and gas production," said Mr Maley.
The investment from Empire, Tamboran, Central Petroleum and Santos is on exploration and appraisal activities.
"The CLP Government recognises the importance of supporting private investment to rebuild the NT economy. We are committed to ensuring the resources sector thrives, creating thousands of jobs and generating substantial revenue to fuel the Territory's prosperity," he said.
