The Northern Territory budget has recognised the growing importance of natural gas to the NT economy.
Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) Chief Operating Officer Western Region, Stedman Ellis, commented: 鶹ýӳThe contribution of natural gas to the development of the Northern Territory has never been clearer.
Ichthys LNG
鶹ýӳThe Territory is experiencing the strongest growth of any Australian economy due largely to construction activity related to INPEX鶹ýӳs $33 billion Ichthys LNG project in Darwin.
鶹ýӳThe flow-on benefits to other sectors of the NT economy, such as retail, housing, transport and manufacturing, has boosted own-source revenue for the NT Government and contributed to significantly improved budget outcomes.鶹ýӳ
Onshore gas projects
Ellis explained that the NT government had also recognised the potential of onshore gas projects to generate economic growth and jobs. He said a new $8 million program to assess shale gas resources in the Territory could generate significant exploration activity in remote and regional areas.
鶹ýӳShale gas has the potential to be a significant new driver of economic activity in the Territory and the Giles government is to be congratulated for encouraging the industry鶹ýӳs development,鶹ýӳ Ellis said.
Shale revenue
鶹ýӳNot only could shale gas deliver jobs, economic growth and improved infrastructure in remote and regional areas, it would also provide the NT government with a new source of revenue independent of the Commonwealth.
鶹ýӳThis is a potential game-changer for the Territory, which currently relies on Commonwealth funding for around 70% of its annual budget,鶹ýӳ Ellis concluded.
Adapted from press release by