Major Territory Natural Gas Project hits new Milestone

19 June 2024

The Lawler Labor Government is continuing to back industries that grow our economy, create working opportunities and secure our energy future.

Today, the Territory Government has awarded Major Project status to Tamboran Resources for their Beetaloo basin project, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminal at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct (MASDP).

Major Project Status provides Tamboran with significant benefits, including the Territory Governments acknowledgement of the Beetaloo Basin’s significance to the Territory’s economic prosperity and working and training opportunities.

Tamboran recently secured approval of its environmental management plan by the independent EPA for the drilling and flow testing of more wells in the Beetaloo. Tamboran has also completed its concept select process for a site it is seeking to develop at Middle Arm.

Territorians can have confidence that Tamboran’s integrated approach to development will support the growth of the on-shore gas industry in the Beetaloo Basin – which is expected to boost the Territory economy by over $17 billion and create thousands of working opportunities for many years to come – and support the development of the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.

Middle Arm will support up to 20,000 working opportunities for Territorians, with multiple proponents already slated for development.

The Lawler Government has signed a deal with Tamboran that will provide Territory gas for Territorians for nine years with an option to extend for another six-and-a-half years. This means the first gas from the Beetaloo Basin that is expected to be will be delivered to Territory power generators is expected in the first half of 2026

Tamborans Major Project status also provides assurances to investors of the importance that the Lawler Labor Government places on natural gas – creating more investment opportunities in the Territory.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:

“We’re backing the industries that get the Territory working – and that’s why my Government is supporting the on-shore gas industry.

“My common sense plan will make sure that the benefits from Territory gas are spread right across the Territory for local residents, businesses and industry.

“This is a key milestone for Tamboran and it lets investors know the Territory is open for business – and this is where opportunity and reward are plentiful.”

Quotes attributed to Minister for Mining Mark Monaghan:

“The Northern Territory will be the jurisdiction to deliver cleaner and more affordable energy to Australia and the world.

“Territorians will benefit from backing in this industry.”

Quotes attributed Tamboran Resources Corporation Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle:

“Recognition of Major Project Status demonstrates NTG’s support for the development of the Beetaloo Basin. It also recognises Tamboran’s commitment to work closely with the Government to ensure the benefits of our development are delivered to all stakeholders within the Territory.

“We look forward to working closely with the Government in ensuring our development plays a major role in achieving the NTG’s long-term economic plan, including the potential for the Beetaloo Basin to support thousands of new jobs and increase economic activity by A$17 billion by 2040.

“The Beetaloo Basin is an economically significant project for the Northern Territory, which is expected to deliver energy security and job opportunities to Territorians, and millions of dollars in royalties to Native Title Holders and the NTG for decades to come.”

Northern Territory Government