DistantNews
Support us
Fracked gas from the Beetaloo Basin begins flowing to the Northern Territory grid
🇦🇺 Australia /Energy & Infrastructure

Fracked gas from the Beetaloo Basin begins flowing to the Northern Territory grid

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Gas fracked in the Beetaloo Basin is beginning to flow into the Northern Territory grid, eight years after the territory lifted its fracking moratorium.
  • The Country Liberal Party government forecasts more than A$17 billion in economic value and over 13,000 jobs by 2040, while royalty estimates range from A$36 million to more than A$220 million annually.
  • Native title representatives support the agreement's potential benefits, while environmental activists oppose the project and question its economic claims.

Gas from the remote Beetaloo Basin is beginning to power homes and businesses in Australia's Northern Territory, marking the point at which a controversial development moves from promise to production.

drive new investment in the Territory across a range of sectors, creating employment and growing the economy

— Lia FinocchiaroThe Northern Territory chief minister described the expected economic benefits of Beetaloo gas.

The gas field lies hundreds of kilometres south of Darwin. Its connection to the territory grid comes eight years after the Northern Territory lifted its moratorium on hydraulic fracturing. Officials, gas company executives, native title holders and the Northern Land Council are expected to attend the start of supply.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro described the project as a turning point, saying it would attract investment, create jobs and expand the economy. The government says more than 40 terajoules a day will enter the territory grid. It forecasts that the basin could generate more than A$17 billion in economic value over the next two decades and support more than 13,000 jobs by 2040.

This is a pivotal moment in the Territory's history, and a turning point in our bright future as a decade of potential becomes production

— Lia FinocchiaroFinocchiaro characterized the start of gas supply as a historic change for the territory.

The Northern Land Council has also backed the agreement. Chair Matthew Ryan said it could bring jobs and benefits to native title holders in the Barkly region, Elliott and nearby communities and outstations. Tamboran Resources chief executive Todd Abbott said the company wanted the development to create lasting opportunities.

I think there's a bit of hype in saying it will change the Northern Territory economy forever, but it is a very significant development

— Saul EslakeThe independent economist welcomed the milestone but questioned some of the project's broader economic claims.

But the project's economic promise remains disputed. Independent economist Saul Eslake called the start of production significant, while warning against claims that it would transform the Northern Territory economy. He said estimates for annual royalties varied from A$36 million to more than A$220 million. Environmental activists have meanwhile held an anti-fracking rally in Darwin, where orange flags supporting Beetaloo mining have recently appeared.

Today is an example of what can be achieved when native title holders have a seat at the table with industry

— Matthew RyanThe Northern Land Council chair linked the agreement to potential benefits for native title holders and local communities.
About this summary

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog