Industry News

As part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s commitment to rebuilding the economy, Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill today announced Expressions of Interest are open for Territory businesses to join the NT Government’s delegation to Energy Exchange Australia (EXA) in Perth, 10 – 12 March 2026.

EXA is Australia’s premier oil, gas and energy service event, showcasing opportunities in decarbonisation, wind, carbon capture, technology and innovation. The event connects industry leaders to strengthen supply chains and drive investment.

“We are positioning the Territory as a leading hub for energy and resources by fostering a competitive and confident business environment. The Northern Territory has a dynamic service and supply sector and a proven reputation for supporting major onshore and offshore gas development and energy projects. Events like EXA strengthen our supply chains, increase the Territory’s participation in significant projects and connect local capability with global opportunities,” Ms Cahill said.

The Northern Territory Government has led delegations to EXA for more than 16 years. In 2025, 14 organisations attended, including the Energy Club NT, Industry Capability Network NT and the Chamber of Commerce NT, with delegates reporting new contracts and business leads.

Northline Sales Manager Jason Morgan also mentioned: “Following EXA we provided over a dozen quotes, opened two new accounts and hosted a Melbourne-based company in Darwin interested in using our facilities for distribution to Southeast Asia.”

Expressions of interest close Sunday, 18 January 2026. Apply via Energy Exchange Australia 2026: Northern Territory Business Delegation – Fill in form

For more information contact Industry.Strategy@nt.gov.au

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Territory businesses and tradies will benefit from another practical red-tape reduction, with the Finocchiaro CLP Government removing unnecessary Certificate of Compliance requirements for certain low-risk electrical work from 1 January 2026.
 
As part of the Government’s response to the Saying Yes to Business report by the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce, routine like for like electrical replacements that do not alter wiring, electrical load or circuit protection will no longer require a Certificate of Compliance, allowing electricians to spend less time on paperwork and more time on the job, without compromising safety. 
 
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby, said the reform strikes the right balance between safety and practicality.
 
“We promised commonsense Government and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” Ms Boothby said.

“We’ve listened to small businesses and tradies who’ve told us that the current system just isn’t working. Even the most routine, low-risk electrical work imposes an unnecessary burden, without improving safety outcomes.”
 
“This change is about maintaining the highest safety standards and compliance, while lowering the impact of red tape on small and family businesses.”
 
The reform delivers on Recommendation 6D of the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce, which called for a review of the Electrical Safety Act to identify low-risk electrical work that could safely be exempt from Certificate of Compliance requirements. Under the change, like-for-like replacements that do not alter wiring, load or circuit protection will no longer require a CoC, allowing NT WorkSafe to focus its compliance resources on higher-risk electrical work.
 
The reform is one of 48 priority actions being fast-tracked within the first 12 months of the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce response, aimed at halving approval times and improving certainty across key sectors including construction, hospitality, and tourism.
 
Chair of the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce and former Property Council of Australia NT President, Mark Garraway, welcomed the reform.
 
“This is exactly the kind of practical change industry was calling for,” Mr Garraway said. “It improves certainty, reduces unnecessary regulation and allows government to focus on what really matters — safety and productivity.”
 
Ms Boothby said the reform reflects the CLP Government’s broader commitment to rebuilding the economy while maintaining strong safeguards.
 
“We promised a year of action, delivering certainty and security for industry, including the Territory’s building and construction sector,” she said. “That means backing businesses, cutting red tape, and never compromising on safety. This reform delivers on all three, as we work to rebuild the economy.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

The Finocchiaro CLP 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.

The pipeline permit (Pipeline Permit 9) has been granted to APT Management Services Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of APA Group, allowing APA to carry out surveys and plan the route for a proposed multi-user pipeline called the North to East Australia Pipeline (NEAP).

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the permit is an early planning step that puts the Territory in a stronger 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,” Mr 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,” Mr Maley said.

The permit covers around 580 kilometres across the Northern Territory, with a survey corridor up to two kilometres wide and access tracks up to one kilometre wide. APA will now be able to undertake work over 12 months to examine the feasibility of the proposed route corridor and building scope.

Once this work is complete, APA can apply for a separate pipeline licence, which will have a significantly reduced corridor width, before any construction could begin.

Mr Maley said the decision builds on APA’s growing investment in the Territory, including the $70 million Sturt Plateau Pipeline, which the NT Government approved earlier this year.

The 37-kilometre Sturt Plateau Pipeline is close to completion and will connect 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.”

Under the Energy Pipelines Act 1981, a pipeline permit is the first step in the approvals process. A full pipeline licence would still be required before any pipeline could be built or operated.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Overview

Central Petroleum Limited (ASX: CTP) (“Central”) and its Mereenie and Palm Valley Joint Venture partners (collectively “JVs”) have entered into a binding Letter of Intent (“LOI”) with the Northern Territory’s Power and Water Corporation (“PWC”) to:

Drilling Program Early Works

The JVs will immediately begin early works for a four-well drilling program. This includes activities such as ordering long-lead items, progressing civil works, and selecting a drilling rig. The program will involve drilling two wells at Mereenie and another two at Palm Valley, with drilling targeted to commence in mid-2026.

Gas Supply Arrangements

The JVs and PWC have finalised ‘in-principle’ terms for long-term, firm gas supply under term sheets covering uncontracted firm gas production at market pricing from the Mereenie and Palm Valley fields of up to 25.5 PJ (Central share) through the end of 2034, which includes additional production from the four-well program. The gas supply term sheets are non-binding and conditional, requiring final internal approvals from each JV participant and PWC.

The intention is for the parties to formalise and execute binding Gas Sale Agreements (“GSAs”), consistent with these term sheets, by 20 February 2026. Arrangements have been agreed under the LOI where the JVs can be reimbursed by PWC for costs associated with the drilling program’s early works in the event binding GSAs are not executed by 20 February 2026.

Project Readiness

The intended supply arrangements are designed to quickly deliver significant new gas volumes to the Northern Territory, while also enhancing gas supply security for customers throughout the region. Preparations for the new wells are already well-advanced, with key approvals in place or underway. By initiating the drilling program’s early works now, the JVs can target mid-2026 for the commencement of drilling. The additional gas production can be quickly supplied to the market after drilling, as the wells will utilise available production capacity at the existing Mereenie and Palm Valley gas fields.

Central, via subsidiaries, has a 25% interest in the Mereenie field, along with other Mereenie JV participants (Echelon Mereenie Pty Limited, Horizon Australia Energy Pty Ltd, and Cue Mereenie Pty Ltd) and a 50% interest in the Palm Valley field, with other JV partners (Echelon Palm Valley Pty Limited and Cue Palm Valley Pty Ltd ). 

Source: Central Petroleum Announcement

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is taking action to ensure Territorians hit hard by Federal Labor’s shock pre-Christmas scrapping of energy subsidies are cushioned from power bill increases.

Treasurer Bill Yan said that the CLP remains focused on protecting Territorians from rising energy costs.

“In light of the Commonwealth Government decision to stop providing their energy bill relief to Australians, The CLP has made the decision to not move forward with the household tiered pricing system at this time,” he said.

This would have seen around 6800 ‘Super Users’ be charged at a higher rate on usage above 55kWh per day averaged over a billing period, equal to the rate applied to small businesses.

“That’s 6800 households no longer potentially paying more for their power,” he said.

“Cheap energy was Federal Labor’s signature promise to Australians and Territorians and we now have Albo the grinch sticking it up everyone before Christmas,” he said.

“It’s yet another example of their complete inability to deliver certainty to NT residents and businesses and why we stepped up to support Territorians.”

Territorians can also save with the introduction of new time-of-use electricity tariffs for households and small businesses to be introduced 1 January 2026.

“This will allow users to save money by taking advantage of lower electricity demand between 9am and 3pm every day.

“With the new tariffs many customers can opt in to pay a lower rate and support the growth of rooftop solar and battery systems by encouraging electricity use during daylight hours when demand is lower.”

“It’s about giving customers a choice to save money by using electricity in a way that supports the grid.”

“Running the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and pool pump when power demand is low will then see some good savings,” he said.

There are about 1,300 small business customers and 6,500 households who will be able to achieve lower electricity bills immediately by switching to a time-of-use tariff.

Minister Yan said the Finocchiaro CLP Government was committed to helping Territorians. 

"In the year of action, security and certainty, we continue to work hard and help with the cost of living," he said.

Source: Northern Territory Government

The Board of Beetaloo Energy Australia has made a Final Investment Decision (“FID”) for the Carpentaria Pilot Project

The decision to reach FID follows:

• Agreement with the Northern Land Council on behalf of the Traditional Owners the Mambaliya Rrumburriya Wuyaliya Aboriginal Land Trust covering EP187 to allow for the sale of appraisal gas;
• Receipt of all NT environmental approvals for the Carpentaria Pilot Project, including the construction of the Carpentaria Gas Plant (“CGP”) and associated in-field infrastructure, and the drilling, completion and tie-in of up to 10 additional wells in EP187;
• The 2024 Gas Sales Agreement between Beetaloo Energy and the NT Government; and
• Approval for Beneficial Use of Test Gas by the NT Government

“This is a landmark moment for Beetaloo Energy, allowing the Company to commence gas sales from EP187 in 2026.

We have already commenced the civil construction and upgrade works on the CGP utilizing internal capital resources. That work is continuing. We have separately commenced the process to drawdown the Macquarie Midstream Infrastructure Facility which was announced in November 2024 and we intend to draw funds under that facility when required.

This FID follows the incredible efforts of the Beetaloo Energy team whose tireless work is bringing this project to life.

We deeply appreciate the support of our shareholders, financiers, the NT Government, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate, and our many supporters across the Northern Territory. They all understand the critical importance of the Beetaloo Basin to drive energy security and economic prosperity for the NT, Australia and the broader region for decades to come.”

⎯ Alex Underwood, Managing Director

Source: Beetaloo Energy Australia

• The NT Government has approved Beetaloo Energy’s Beneficial Use of Gas application for sale of appraisal gas from EP187
• Gas will be sold to the NT Government under the existing 10-year gas sales agreement and supplied into the local NT market
• Minister for Mining and Energy, Gerard Maley said “This is a major milestone. Gas that would previously have been flared will instead flow directly into the local market from next year”
• Construction of the Carpentaria Gas Plant (“CGP”), purchased from AGL for $2.5m in 2023, can now proceed, with civil construction already well underway. The total installed cost of the CGP is expected to be materially lower than comparable new build plants
• Beetaloo Energy has all environmental approvals required for the construction of the CGP and the drilling, completion and tie-in of up to 10 additional wells, with the full, informed, prior consent of Traditional Owners

Source: Beetaloo Energy Australia

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is working to protect the Territory’s power supply following the shutdown of ENI’s Blacktip offshore gas field as Tropical Cyclone Fina approached the Top End last month.

This outage has continued since Tropical Cyclone Fina and places significant pressure on the Territory’s already stretched gas supply, given Blacktip has been the NT’s primary source of gas since 2009.

Minister for Mining, Energy and Renewables Gerard Maley said Territorians expect honesty and transparency about the situation.

“Like every household, our power system relies on secure supply - and when a major gas field is taken offline, it has real consequences.

“We do not want to alarm Territorians, but we do want you to be informed: Blackouts are a possibility while these supply pressures continue. What Territorians also should know is that the Government is taking every possible step to keep the lights on.”

INPEX has increased gas supply to help stabilise the system, and Power and Water are implementing multiple safeguards which are ready to activate to protect Territorians.

Minister Maley said the need for these contingency measures reflect years of neglect under the former government, which also puts pressure on the cost of power.

“Territorians voted for a government that takes action – not one that ignores the warnings,” said Mr Maley.

“Territorians should understand that this is not a new problem, it’s the consequence warnings that were ignored over years.

“Blacktip has been declining since 2021, and despite repeated warnings, the former government had no energy security plan in place. We inherited a system that was already on the brink.”

The Minister said that while the government is doing everything possible to manage immediate pressures, the situation reinforces why the Beetaloo Sub-Basin is essential to the Territory’s long-term energy security.

The Beetaloo holds enough gas to power Australia for 200 years, and development is now moving at pace as Beetaloo Energy advances approvals to enable appraisal gas sales which will feed directly into the Territory’s energy system.

The Sturt Plateau Pipeline is under construction to deliver the first stage of gas to market, Santos has announced plans to drill 12 wells, and Tamboran is working towards supplying Territory gas by mid-2026.

“If we want affordable electricity, if we want investment, if we want reliable power for our homes, hospitals and businesses well into the future, then we need the Beetaloo.”

The current situation also highlights why the government passed major electricity market reforms in October. These reforms deliver smarter planning, tougher governance and future-proofed infrastructure, so energy - from gas, solar and batteries - stays reliable, stable and low-cost for Territorians.

“The CLP Government is being upfront, we are preparing for all scenarios, and we are doing everything possible to protect the Territory’s power supply now and into the future,” added Mr Maley.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited (“Beetaloo Energy”) is pleased to advise that the Northern Land Council has received Federal Ministerial approval as required under subsection 27 (3) of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 to vary the existing Exploration Deed in relation to EP187 to allow for the sale or beneficial use of gas.

The Ministerial approval follows the consent to the sale of appraisal gas provided by the Traditional Owners of the Mambaliya Rrumburriya Wuyaliya Aboriginal Land Trust on 25 June 2025 and the resulting agreement with Traditional Owners which was subsequently approved by the Executive Council of the Northern Land Council.

“This Federal Ministerial approval is a critical step in the process to seek final NT Government approval for beneficial use of test gas from EP187, as required under section 57AAA of the Petroleum Act 1984 (NT). Upon receipt of that approval, Beetaloo Energy will be able to continue appraisal drilling and gas sales from EP187 for several years while the field is proven up. Beetaloo Energy will advise shareholders once the NT Government approval process reaches its conclusion.

Appraisal gas produced from EP187 will be delivered into the local NT market under our existing gas sales agreement with the NT Government, providing affordable, reliable energy and generating royalties for the benefit of all Territorians. The Carpentaria-5H flow testing restart disclosed to the market in November is well underway and we look forward to sharing the results of the program in the coming weeks.” ⎯ Alex Underwood, Managing Director

Source: Beetaloo Energy Australia ASX Announcement

Tamboran Resources says it is edging closer to first gas from the Beetaloo Basin, with CFO Eric Dyer telling investors the company is now "on the cusp" of converting years of exploration into what it hopes will become Australia's first commercial onshore unconventional gas project. 

Speaking at an Energy Club NT event in Darwin last night, Dyer said Tamboran's Shenandoah South pilot development – designed to supply the Northern Territory market as output from the ageing Blacktip gas field declines – had cleared several key hurdles, including final investment approval, traditional owner consent and the drilling of three horizontal pilot wells. 

"We are de-risking it constantly," Dyer said.

"The data proves itself…this is the first economic shale project in Australia." 

Over the past year, Tamboran has strengthened its balance sheet through a combination of equity raisings and asset sales, providing sufficient funding to drill, complete and test its pilot wells and advance processing and transport infrastructure. The company has also flagged that substantially larger capital commitments will be required as it shifts from pilot output to sustained, multi-well production. 

The pilot project has attracted support from major international oilfield services groups, including Baker Hughes and Liberty Energy, which are supplying drilling and hydraulic fracturing equipment for the Beetaloo campaign. Tamboran says the deployment of modern shale technology has underpinned record drilling performance in the Territory. 

Equally critical is the transport pathway. Tamboran has secured a connection to market via the 37-kilometre Sturt Plateau Pipeline, being built by APA Group, which will link the Beetaloo to the existing Amadeus Gas Pipeline. Construction is underway, with APA targeting early-2026 commissioning, enabling first commercial gas deliveries to the Territory around mid-2026. 

Infrastructure delivery and funding remain the project's main execution risks. While the pilot project is financed, investors are closely watching whether drilling, flow testing, compression facilities and pipeline timelines remain aligned as Tamboran attempts to transition from appraisal into production. 

The stakes extend well beyond the Northern Territory. Tamboran ultimately wants to push gas into the east coast market, where structural shortfalls are forecast later this decade as legacy Queensland and Victorian fields decline. Success in the Beetaloo would add a new onshore supply source into a tightening domestic gas system. 

Dyer said Beetaloo gas could play a dual role, underpinning Territory energy security while also supporting the energy transition on the eastern seaboard by displacing higher-emissions coal-fired generation. 

"Gas is about 70% less CO₂-intensive than coal," he said.

"Every coal-fired power station on the east coast is under stress… gas can be there to solve it." 

Tamboran's longer-term ambitions reach further still. The company has secured land at Darwin's Middle Arm industrial precinct and is studying options for processing, energy-intensive industry and, potentially, LNG exports linked to future fibre-optic cable landfalls and data-centre development in the Top End. 

Source: Energy News Bulletin