Industry News

Empire is now entering an exciting phase, targeting commencement of sales from the Beetaloo.

Following the recent successful capital raising, the team has been progressing design and execution planning for the C-5H pilot development well and engineering works for the installation of surface facilities to allow for the sale of test gas into the McArthur River Pipeline.

We remain on track to drill and stimulate C-5H this year, with initial flow test results due in Q1 2025.

Engineering work on the surface facilities continues with installation on track for Q2 2025, with pilot production sales anticipated to commence in mid-2025 (subject to regulatory approvals for sale of test gas which are well advanced)

To view the fill announcement, visit: Beetaloo Services Contracts Executed

Source: Empire Energy Group  

Changes to Northern Territory public sector agencies will create a strong, effective government focused on our key priorities of reducing crime, rebuilding the economy and restoring our lifestyle.

In line with the official swearing-in of the new Cabinet today, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the machinery of government changes enable Ministers to deliver on the Northern Territory Government’s commitments to Territorians. 

“We are determined to lead a government which is effective, coordinated and focused on the priorities of Territorians,” she said.

"A strong public service is vital in delivering the changes the Northern Territory and its people need. Public sector jobs are safe.

"Together, we will rebuild the Territory for all Territorians.”

Under the changes, the number of key agencies will increase from 12 to 18.

The Chief Minister said the new arrangements have been designed with clear objectives in mind.

“We are aligning our public sector structures with our Government’s top priorities, building a stronger, more specialised public service with technical expertise within smaller departments, empowering quicker and informed decisions that are made closer to the ground” the Chief Minister said.

“The new structures will also enable services to be more agile and responsive.

“Mr Ken Davies PSM, CEO of the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet is experienced and knowledgeable and will provide sure footing to implement the machinery of government changes and our reform agenda.

"I take this opportunity to thank Ms Karen Weston for her service to education in the Northern Territory, as well as Dr Marco Briceno for his service to Health, who will continue to bring his professional expertise to the frontline in health.  I also thank Mr Craig Graham for his long service as Under Treasurer and I am pleased that he will take on a strategic advisory role to support the development of the Middle Arm Sustainability Development precinct as a major driver of the Territory’s economy.”

Full changes can be viewed through the Administrative Arrangement Order at https://legislation.nt.gov.au/en/Legislation/ADMINISTRATIVE-ARRANGEMENTS-ORDER

Agencies under the new structure with CEO (in Administrative Arrangements Order)

Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (CM&C) - Ken Davies PSM
     including the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE) – Nicole Hurwood

Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) - Under-Treasurer Tim McManus

Attorney-General’s Department (AGD)- Gemma Lake

Department of Corporate and Digital Development (DCDD) - Catherine Weber 

NT Police (NTPOL) - Commissioner Michael Murphy APM

NT Fire and Emergency Service (NTFES) - Commissioner Andrew Warton

Department of Education and Training (DET) - Susan Bowden 

Department of Health (DOH) - Chris Hosking

Department of Children and Families (DCF)- Emma White

Department of Corrections (DoC) - Commissioner Matthew Varley

Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR) - Hayley Richards

Department of Mining and Energy (DME) - Alister Trier

Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI) - Louise McCormick

Department of Lands, Planning and Environment (DLPE) - Joanne Townsend

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) - Andrew Kirkman

Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development (DHLGCD) - Luccio Cercarelli PSM

Department of Tourism and Hospitality (DTH) - Suzana Bishop

Department of People, Sport and Culture (DPSC) - Samantha Livesley

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom 

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has announced the new CLP Government’s full ministry.
 
“The CLP has been given a mandate to deliver change for all Territorians and our new Cabinet will ensure a better Northern Territory for everyone,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
 
“Community safety is my government’s first priority, and we are on track to deliver our promised reforms on bail and increased police powers in the first week of Parliament.
 
“Rebuilding the economy and restoring the Territory’s reputation as a competitive destination to live, work, visit and invest is a key focus of our new Cabinet.
 
“Territorians voted for change for the better and our Cabinet will lead the Territory forward.”
 
Here is the full list of the Finocchiaro Government’s Cabinet:

Lia Finocchiaro

Chief Minister

Minister for Police

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services

Minister for Defence NT

Minister for Territory Coordinator

Gerard Maley

Deputy Chief Minister

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries

Minister for Mining and Energy 

Minister for Corrections

Minister for Renewables

Minister for Recreational Fishing 

William (Bill) Yan

Treasurer

Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure

Minister for Housing Construction

Marie-Clare Boothby

Attorney-General

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

Minister for Major Events

Minister for Parks and Wildlife

Minister for Racing 

Steven (Steve) Edgington

Minister for Health

Minister for Mental Health

Minister for Alcohol Policy

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development 

Minister for Essential Services

Joshua (Josh) Burgoyne

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment

Minister for Corporate and Digital Development

Minister for Water Resources

Jo-Anne (Jo) Hersey

Minister for Education and Training

Minister for Early Education

Minister for Public Service 

Robyn Cahill

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations

Minister for International Education, Migration and Population

Minister for Workforce Development

Minister for Advanced Manufacturing

Minister for Children and Families

Minister Child Protection

Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence 

Jinson Charls

Minister for People, Sport and Culture

Minister for Disability

Minister for Arts

Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality

Minister for Multicultural Affairs 

Minister for Veterans

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Highlights

• Tamboran Resources Corporation has commenced its Shenandoah South (SS) Pilot Project drilling program with the spudding of the Shenandoah South 2 (SS-2H) well in EP 98. The SS-2H well is being drilled off a new pad located approximately 3 miles north of the Shenandoah South 1H (SS-1H) well and within the Tamboran-operated SS Pilot Project area (47.5% working interest).

• Following the drilling of the SS-2H well, Tamboran will immediately drill the Shenandoah South 3H (SS-3H) well off the same pad ahead of the stimulation program.

• The SS-2H and SS-3H wells will be drilled with the Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP) super-spec FlexRig® Flex 3 rig and will target the Middle Velkerri B Shale at a depth of approximately 9,910 feet (3,020 metres). Each well is expected to be drilled in 30 days.

• Both the SS-2H and SS-3H wells are designed to include a 10,000-foot (3,000-metre) horizontal section and will each be stimulated with up to 60 stages utilizing the Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) modern frac fleet which has recently been mobilized from the US to Australia. The increased efficiency and performance of the Liberty frac fleet is expected to result in a material increase in the number of completed stages per day and optimized gas flows.

• Initial flow test results from each well are expected in Q1 2025. Once flow testing is complete, both wells will be suspended as future producers to supply Tamboran’s proposed 40 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) SS Pilot Project. Production from the SS Pilot Project is expected to commence in H1 2026, subject to final stakeholder and regulatory approvals.

• The two well program will be the largest single campaign in the Beetaloo Basin to date.

To view the full ASX Announcement, click here.

Source: Tamboran Resources

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2024 drilling programme with the spudding of the Shenandoah South 2H (“SS2H”) horizontal well in exploration permit 98 in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited (“Tamboran B2”).

Following the drilling of the SS2H well, Tamboran B2 will immediately move to the Shenandoah South 3H (“SS3H”) well off the same well pad location ahead of the stimulation program.

Both wells will be drilled with a H&P super-spec FlexRig® Flex 3 Rig and will include a horizontal section of approximately 3,000 metres and will target the Amungee Member B-shale at an estimated target depth of 3,020 metres. Each well is expected to be drilled in 30 days.

The wells will be stimulated with up to 60 stages utilising the Liberty Energy modern frac fleet currently being mobilised from the US to Australia. The increased efficiency and performance of the Liberty fleet is expected to result in a material increase in the completed stages per day and optimised gas flows.

Initial flow test results from each well are expected in Q1 2025. Once flow testing is complete, both wells will be suspended as future producers to supply the proposed 40 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) Shenandoah South Pilot Project, which is expected to commence production in H1 2026, subject to final stakeholder and regulatory approvals.

The two well program will be the largest single campaign in the Beetaloo Sub-basin to date. An additional four well program is planned for 2025 which will complete the drilling for the proposed Shenandoah South Pilot Project that will supply 40 MMcf/d to the Northern Territory government.

Falcon Australia will participate in both wells in the Shenandoah South Pilot Project at its elected participating interest of 5%.

Source: Falcon Oil and Gas

SunCable has announced that the Australia-Asia Power Link (AAPowerLink) has received environmental approval from the Commonwealth Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

This follows last month's approval of the project by the Northern Territory Government under the Environment Protection (EP) Act (2019).

These approvals enable SunCable to proceed with the next phases of development to deliver industrial-scale electricity to customers in Darwin and Singapore.

AAPowerLink is one of the largest energy infrastructure projects to receive EPBC Act approval, covering a project footprint approximately 2,000km long, stretching from the heart of the Northern Territory to the Australian and Indonesian maritime border.

Through its flagship AAPowerLink project, SunCable aims to supply power to both Darwin and Singapore by harnessing, storing, and transmitting renewable energy sourced from the Northern Territory of Australia.

AAPowerLink is set to attract large-scale investment and global talent to Australia, further solidifying the country’s standing as a global leader in renewable energy technology.

A Final Investment Decision (FID) on the project is anticipated in 2027, with electricity supply expected to begin in the early 2030s.

Source: SunCable

Central and its Mereenie partners have agreed to drill two new production wells which are expected to return Mereenie gas production back to above 30 TJ/d (100% JV).

Project economics are compelling, benefitting from the new Gas Sale Agreement with the Northern Territory Government and low incremental production costs through the use of existing surface infrastructure.

Drilling is anticipated to commence around the end of this year, with new production coming on line in early 2025.

To read the full release, click here.

Source: Central Petroleum ASX Announcements

A Santos-inspired recruitment and employment program has won a national award for delivering training and job opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The Santos, KAEFER Integrated Services program took home the best social value initiative at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply awards in Sydney this month.

The award recognised projects that delivered significant social value and community benefits, with nine Aboriginal cadets starting jobs at Darwin LNG facility this year after completing a scaffolding traineeship and another nine beginning traineeships in June in areas including mechanical fitting, boilermaking, administration, accounting and bookkeeping.

Santos Darwin general manager Peter Kirkpatrick said the award acknowledged the pivotal role training and education programs could play in improving outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians.

“I am extremely proud of our Santos-KAEFER Employment Program,” Mr Kirkpatrick said. “It’s a genuine example of how Santos is taking real and practical action to help close the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage in the Northern Territory.

“The successful program is just one of several that Santos is rolling out in the Territory in coming months and years aimed at maximising employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal Territorians.

“Our major projects such as Barossa Gas and the Darwin LNG Life Extension will allow us continue to develop and fund initiatives that will support local Aboriginal communities for decades to come.”

KAEFER chief operating officer Trent Northover said the Santos partnership was about skills and jobs.

“We share an ongoing commitment to fostering the growth and development of Aboriginal Territorians and this program providing structure pathways that will lead to meaning, sustainable employment,” he said.

The training award came after Santos administration trainee Vanessa Williams was named apprentice of the year at the 2024 NAIDOC awards.

A Tiwi Island woman, Ms Williams first completed a supply chain operations traineeship at Santos’ Darwin Supply Base.

After a varied career that included retail, education and hair dressing, Ms Williams began a pathway through warehouse and logistics and is now completing a Cert III in business administration traineeship at Santos DLNG.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my traineeships and I’ve gained valuable insights into the industry, honed my skills, and cultivated a new-found confidence,” Ms Williams said.

“My daughters have witnessed this transformation, learning the importance of perseverance and happiness in one’s work.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel back to the Tiwi Islands with Santos and speak directly with community about how training can impact their lives positively.

“Seeing my family and friends’ children gain employment and traineeships in the oil and gas industry has been immensely rewarding, reinforcing my belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities for growth and success.”

Source: NT News

AREEA is launching an important training package for members on workplace delegates’ rights.

To ensure all leaders get across these new laws and changes efficiently, the training is designed in two streams, for site-based leaders (supervisors and managers) and head office leaders.

Bolstered union rights are now enshrined in all modern awards and must be included in all new enterprise agreements.

This follows the Fair Work Commission’s final determination on a workplace delegates’ rights term, which took effect on July 1.

New privileges include the right for union delegates to represent all “eligible members” of an enterprise; the right for union delegates to communicate with eligible workers “during working hours”; employers providing five paid days for workplace delegates to undertake union training in their first year in the role; and ensuring workplace delegates have reasonable access to workplace facilities.

As your industrial relations specialist organisation, AREEA will ensure training participants:

The course will be delivered online. In person, on-site training across Australia can be arranged and customised to meet specific company needs.

Source: AREEA

The Territory and federal governments have committed to a $4.7m agreement to boost solar uptake in the NT.

Announced in July, after a similar scheme last year, the Northern Territory government will implement two solar schemes funded through the Australian government’s Community Solar Banks program.

The first scheme supports apartment complexes to install shared rooftop solar systems – potentially slashing power bills by up to $500 a year for about 300 Territory households.

Applications will soon be open for the first round of the scheme, with grants of up to $7500 per dwelling or apartment offered to eligible Body Corporates to support up to half of the cost of installing a shared solar PV system.

Ben Hassall, director of No Hassall’s Electrical, said the schemes helped his business by promoting solar uptake across the NT.

“It’s one of the best ways to reduce your cost of living,” he said, estimating the average cost of a system between $15,000 to $20,000, including rebates.

He said demand for solar had remained steady despite solar tariff incentives being reduced two years ago.

Renewables and Energy Minister Kate Worden hoped the schemes would incentivise solar for those in high density blocks.

“I can be very difficult for individuals to get permission through body corporates, particularly in the larger complexes, to have single roof solar, we know that the uptake has been really low in those body corporate areas,” she said.

The second scheme is a new $2.35 million NT Community Solar Share initiative which will be launched later in the year and will see new solar systems installed on Territory government buildings with the revenue generated used to support vulnerable electricity consumers across the Territory.

The NT government will work with its government-owned energy corporations and private retailers to implement the program which will target around $300 of bill relief to approximately 700 vulnerable households across the Territory each year.

These schemes are on top of the Community Service Obligation.

Source: NT News