The NT Government has given the green light for early planning work on a new North to East gas pipeline connecting Beetaloo gas directly to the East Coast.
A permit for the project, known as Pipeline Permit 9, has been issued to APT Management Services Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of APA Group. The permit allows APA to carry out surveys and plan the route for the proposed multi-user North to East Australia Pipeline (NEAP).
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the permit is an early planning step that strengthens the Territory’s position for the future.
“This permit allows APA to get boots on the ground to work out the best route for a pipeline from the Beetaloo to the east coast,” Maley said.
“The Beetaloo Sub-basin has enormous potential, and granting this pipeline permit allows APA to undertake the surveys and investigations needed to move the NEAP forward.”
The permit area stretches about 580 kilometres across the Territory, with a survey corridor up to two kilometres wide and access tracks up to one kilometre wide. Over 12 months, APA will assess the feasibility of the proposed route and the scope of construction.
Following this work, APA can apply for a separate pipeline licence with a much narrower corridor before any construction begins.
Maley said the decision builds on APA’s growing investment in the Territory, including the $70 million Sturt Plateau Pipeline, approved earlier this year.
The 37-kilometre Sturt Plateau Pipeline is nearing completion and will link Tamboran Resources’ Shenandoah South gas development to the existing Amadeus Pipeline. Tamboran is also building the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility, with the two projects together representing more than $250 million in investment.
“These projects show that industry has confidence in the Territory,” Mr Maley said.
“Good planning today supports energy security, reliability and affordability for Territorians.”