The NT government is hoping a strategic new location in the Beetaloo basin will be the drawcard for exploratory investment for onshore petroleum exploration.
The new site is approximately 4,000 square kms and located near the Amadeus Gas Pipeline and the Stuart Highway within the Beetaloo Sub-basin.
The government is in Texas this week to spruik the release at the the North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Houston.
In a release, the NT government said NAPE is the premier international marketplace for the upstream energy sector, where companies buy, sell and trade tenure and producing assets.
Promotion
NT minister for mining and energy Gerard Maley said a delegation from NT would attend NAPE to promote the Beetaloo Sub-basin and the new acreage release.
“The Beetaloo has been recognised as the next big global shale play, and it is critical the Territory is seen and heard in an increasingly competitive international investment environment,” Maley said.
“Texas is the leader of global shale gas development and home to the world’s most mature shale gas operations, advanced expertise and investor networks, so it is critical we are there promoting the release of this new acreage.”
The new acreage, EPNT26-1, will allow for a competitive bidding process under the Petroleum Act 1984, a government release noted.
Location
The acreage is surrounded by high quality shale gas acreage held by Tamboran Resources, Daly Waters Energy, Beetaloo Energy Australia and Santos, with the adjacent acreage EP98 expected to produce the first Beetaloo Gas for NT use from mid 2026, it said
“This release will unlock a strategically important gas resource, supporting domestic energy security, creating local jobs, and driving economic growth across the Barkly region.”
Applications and submissions are now invited over the 50 full and part blocks, with the application period closing at 4pm ACST on Friday, 31 July 2026.
More information, including the full geoscience data package, application form and guideline, is available on the Department of Mining and Energy’s website.