Natural gas offers security for Australian state

A prosperous onshore natural gas industry in Australia’s Northern Territory could offer greater financial independence from Canberra.

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) said royalties from shale gas extraction could become an important revenue stream for the northern Australian state, increasing financial certainty for future governments and reducing reliance on tied Commonwealth funding.

Appearing before the Northern Territory Parliament’s Energy Future inquiry, APPEA Northern Territory Director Steven Gerhardy said natural gas projects were already transforming the economy in the Australian state.

Energy security

Gerhardy commented: “Natural gas is delivering significant economic and environmental benefits to the Territory through job creation, energy security and reduced greenhouse emissions.

“Liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in operation or under construction are providing and will continue to provide jobs and opportunities for decades to come.

“For example, Inpex is spending more than AU$ 5 billion through Territory-based businesses during construction of its LNG plant in Darwin. The project is also expected to create up to 5000 new jobs during its construction phase and up to 700 new jobs when operational.

Shale gas reserves

“While still in its very early stages, the potential for an onshore natural gas industry based on the Territory’s substantial shale gas reserves is just as exciting.

“Not only would shale gas deliver jobs, economic growth and improved infrastructure in remote and regional areas, it would also provide the Territory Government with its own source of revenue independent of the Commonwealth.

“This is a potential game-changer for the Territory, which currently relies on Commonwealth funding for around 80% of its annual budget.”

Future investment

Gerhardy added that maximising future oil and gas investment in the Northern Territory would require a competitive and stable investment environment and a continuing commitment to market-based policies.

APPEA’s submission to the parliamentary inquiry can be viewed here.

For more of today's LNG news stories visit LNGindustry.com

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

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