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