Industry News

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has today made history by introducing the Territory Coordinator legislation into Parliament.

Mrs Finocchiaro said the reform was "the most important piece of economic reform the Territory has seen in a decade."

"Our Territory Coordinator laws will herald a new way of developing the Territory," she said.

"It will give us a competitive edge against other states, who have not undertaken the level of reform we have."

The Territory Coordinator will signal to the world that we are a mature jurisdiction with the capability and capacity to play a major role in the advancement of:

"With the appointment of Stuart Knowles as Interim Territory Coordinator in November last year, the work of the Territory Coordinator has already begun," said Mrs Finocchiaro.

The consultation report for the draft Bill has also been released following four months of public consultation.

By the end of the consultation period, 321 participants had attended six Community Information Forums across the Territory, 559 written submissions had been received, and 89 meetings were held with 267 individuals representing various sectors.

"The consultation on our draft Territory Coordinator legislation highlights the need for a balanced approach which aligns economic growth with social and environmental outcomes and that is what we have delivered," said Mrs Finocchiaro.

The draft Bill has been referred to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee for consideration. 

Click here to read the consultation report.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

The NT gas industry says the Territory Government’s moves to clamp down on lawfare will boost investment and energy security.

Australian Energy Producers NT Director David Slama welcomed the Petroleum, Planning and Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, set to be introduced in Parliament this week, as an important step in stopping activist groups from vexatiously using the legal system to delay critical gas projects in the Territory.

“We commend the Territory Government for moving decisively to stamp out activist lawfare putting at risk economic and energy security for Territorians,” Mr Slama said.

“At a time when Australians are facing cost-of-living pressures, the Territory Government has recognised the need to remove barriers to new gas supply so Territorians continue to have reliable and affordable energy.

“It is not in the public interest for activist lawyers to damage the Territory’s attractiveness as a place to do business and to invest, undermining our economic and energy security.”

Mr Slama said activists exploiting the Merits Review process had deterred much-needed investment in the Territory.

“A long list of vexatious cases has exposed the extreme tactics of activists who are more interested in delaying projects than genuinely representing the interests of Territory communities,” he said.

“Removing the Merits Review process is a significant step towards streamlining approval processes to enable new gas supply to be brought online sooner.

“We need to expedite project delivery, improve environmental outcomes, and attract the investment in new gas supply that will be essential to the NT’s long-term energy security and economic prosperity.”

Source: Australian Energy Producers

Highlights

• Tamboran Resources successfully completed stimulation activities over 35 stages across a 5,483-foot (1,671-metre) horizontal section in the Mid Velkerri B Shale within the Shenandoah South 2H sidetrack (SS-2H ST1) well. The stimulation was conducted using the Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) modern stimulation equipment.
• The SS-2H ST1 completion operations achieved five stages over a 24-hour period on multiple days, exceeding previous Beetaloo Basin records.
• Average proppant intensity of 2,706 pounds per foot (lb/ft) across the 35 completed stages exceeded all previous completion activities in the Beetaloo Basin to date and achieved wellhead injection rates above 100 barrels per minute (bpm).
• The SS-2H ST1 well will be completed ahead of clean out activities and the commencement of initial flow back and extended production testing.
• Further updates on the completion of the Shenandoah South 3H (SS-3H) well will be provided in due course. 

Source: Tamboran Resources Announcements

Liberty Energy Inc. announced today that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed Ron Gusek as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Board has elected William Kimble as non-executive Chairman of the Board. These leadership transitions are concurrent with the confirmation of Chris Wright as U.S. Secretary of Energy. Mr. Wright, the founder of Liberty Energy, has served as Chairman of the Board, Director, and Chief Executive Officer since the Company’s inception in 2011.

The Board of Directors congratulated Mr. Wright on his appointment as U.S. Secretary of Energy, commending his distinguished leadership and significant contributions to Liberty and the broader energy sector.

Mr. Gusek brings nearly 30 years of experience as a strategic leader, most recently serving as President of Liberty since November 2016. He joined Liberty in 2014 as Vice President of Technology and Development. Prior to Liberty, Mr. Gusek was Vice President, Corporate Engineering and Technology of Sanjel Corporation, a global energy service company. He previously held leadership roles at Zodiac Exploration, an E&P company in the central San Joaquin Valley in California, and at Pinnacle Technologies, a leading fracture diagnostic services company founded by Mr. Wright. He has earned a reputation as a leader focused on advancing innovative technology solutions to drive meaningful growth and deliver exceptional value to Liberty’s customers. Mr. Gusek earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta.

Mr. Gusek’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Liberty accelerates the development of its power business and advances technology innovation in completions services.

“I am honored to lead this incredible company as we embark on an extraordinary new chapter,” said Mr. Gusek. “Liberty has an extensive track record of technology innovation and executional excellence, driving transformative growth and success over its 13-year history. I am excited to steward the next phase of our growth journey alongside our talented team. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Chris and the team have established as we enable successful energy solutions for our customers across a broad range of end markets.”

Mr. Kimble served on the Board since the Company’s initial public offering in January 2018 and as Lead Director since October 2018. He joined KPMG in 1986 and held various senior roles throughout his career spanning more than three decades, until his retirement in 2015. Mr. Kimble serves on the board of directors and is the chair of the audit committee of Northern Oil and Gas. He previously served on the board of directors, the special committee, and was chair of the audit committee of DCP Midstream from June 2015 until October 2023.

Effective and disciplined succession planning is critical to Liberty’s ongoing success and a key component of its competitive advantage. This change in leadership is consistent with the Board’s succession plan developed years in advance and demonstrates the strength of the management development system.

Source: Liberty Energy 

Arafura Rare Earths has extended the deadline on key conditions for its gas supply agreement with Horizon Oil and Echelon Resources, a move seen as crucial to securing long-term energy supply for its Nolans Rare Earths Project in the Northern Territory. 

The agreement, which provides up to 27.4 petajoules of gas from the Mereenie joint venture over five years from 2026, was initially subject to conditions that were due to be met by February 4. The revised deadline of March 31, 2025, allows additional time for Arafura to finalise financing, ensuring the project's viability amid a tightening global rare earth supply chain. 

Reliable gas supply is critical for Nolans' long-term success, which aims to become a major global producer of neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr)—minerals essential to electric vehicles and wind turbines.  

The project has already secured offtake agreements with Siemens Gamesa and Hyundai, with further negotiations underway as Western economies seek to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths. 

Echelon Resources director Andrew Jefferies said Mereenie and Palm Valley were well-positioned to meet Arafura's long-term demand, pointing to ongoing drilling success in mature gas fields. 

"Both Mereenie and Palm Valley gas fields are big structures with room for more wells. As our recent Mereenie WM29 well result demonstrates, there is gas there for the drilling," Jefferies told Energy News Bulletin.  

"Like any mature field, you have to be smart and apply the best technology appropriate to the conditions you have … you can find gas in old fields using new ideas." 

The extension highlights the importance of gas in supporting Australia's critical minerals sector, even as the federal government pushes for economy-wide decarbonisation. High-temperature processing at Nolans requires a stable energy source, and delays in securing gas could risk setbacks for the project. 

For Horizon and Echelon, the agreement provides long-term demand certainty, strengthening Mereenie's position in the NT's energy market. With ongoing concerns about east coast gas shortages, deals of this nature help ensure market stability for domestic producers. 

Jefferies said the extension primarily reflected Arafura's need to complete its financing, rather than fundamental changes to the gas agreement. 

"This is just extending the deadline for Arafura while they line up their financing, which is never easy for new mines," he said.  

"Between this contract and the long-term deal with the NT government, we've had the certainty to undertake the current Mereenie wells." 

While the extension provides additional time for Arafura, Jefferies acknowledged that market conditions could influence future terms. 

"Terms are always subject to change as markets develop," he said.

"This is just a short-term extension to provide more time for Arafura's financing to come together, so terms have reflected that." 

If finalised, the deal would mark a significant milestone for Arafura as it seeks to establish itself as a leading rare earth supplier outside China, reinforcing Australia's position in the global critical minerals race. 

To view the full article by ENB, click here.

Source: Energy News Bulletin

PSEA – Prescribed Single Engine Aeroplanes

The PC-12 NG Aircraft is now part of the Chartair fleet. The PC-12 is a single engine turboprop aircraft and conforms to the PSEA Standard.

This information has been compiled to provide information pertaining to the PC12 aircraft.

Safety Benefits of the Single Engine Turbine

The PC12 NG is operated under CASA’s stringent Prescribed Single Engine Aircraft (PSEA) regulations, ensuring the highest safety standards. The main reason for CASA’s implementation of PSEA requirements is to minimise the probability of an inflight engine shutdown to as close to zero as possible. CASA mandates rigorous maintenance, operational oversight, and performance benchmarks for single-engine turbine aircraft, creating a safety framework comparable to and often far exceeding the already highly safe multi-engine operational requirements.

The Pilatus PC-12, powered by the renowned Pratt & Whitney PT6 engine, sets the standard for safety, reliability, and versatility in single-engine turbine aircraft. Certified and operated as a Prescribed Single-Engine Aircraft (PSEA), the PC-12 adheres to rigorous safety standards that rival—and in many cases exceed—those of twin-engine aircraft, offering significant advantages over older multi-engine models.

The PC12 NG is trusted worldwide by corporate, government, and medical operators, most notably the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia operating 36 Pilatus PC12’s, attesting to its safety and reliability.

PSEA operations include enhanced safety measures, such as:

• Advanced flight crew training and checking, ensuring pilots are exceptionally well-prepared for all situations.
• Redundant engine controls, providing critical fail-safes for reliable operation.
• Radar altimeters, enhancing situational awareness and precision during low-altitude operations.
• Redundant power sources, guaranteeing continued operation of essential systems.
• Advanced crashworthiness design standards under FAR Part 23, which are far more stringent than those applicable to similar aircraft in its class, ensuring superior occupant protection in emergencies.
• Onboard weather radar, allowing pilots to detect and avoid hazardous weather conditions.
• Automatic Engine ignition and Fuel Pumps, in the event of an engine flame out or fuel disruption

Single-engine turbine aircraft like the PC-12 are considered safer than older piston multi-engine aircraft due to their simpler design, greater reliability, and advanced technology. The PT6 engine, with over 400 million flight hours, offers unmatched dependability, eliminating the complexity and risks associated with managing multiple engines.

With its cutting-edge engineering, advanced avionics, and proven performance in demanding operations, the PC-12 is a trusted choice for operators and government agencies worldwide, delivering safety and reliability that rival, and often exceed, that of twin-engine aircraft.

Thank you for flying with Chartair.

Celebrating 50 years in Australian Aviation

Contact Chartair for enquiries. sales@chartair.com.au

An innovative approach to recruitment has seen 11 apprentices, across 4 fields, and 2 trainees start an exciting career with Power and Water Corporation. They join 5 new graduates, plus 28 apprentices, 7 graduates, 8 business trainees and 1 water operation trainee who are already part of the Power and Water team across the Northern Territory.

Power and Water partners with GTNT Group to host apprentices and trainees, with the partnership spanning more than 30 years. This year there were more than 400 applications for the Power and Water roles.

Power and Water’s Executive General Manager Power Services, Belinda Small said the partnership has delivered excellent outcomes, with 4 wins at the 2024 GTNT Group Awards, including Host Business of the Year. The awards recognise apprentices, trainees, supervisors and businesses going above and beyond in their ongoing training and development.

‘We’re constantly exploring how to build and grow our team in the most successful and efficient way,’ Ms Small said. ‘And it’s always exciting to welcome new people to the team.

‘New faces mean new ideas, approaches, skills and outlooks, which is excellent for our organisation. Our focus is on developing local talent from across the Territory.’

Jodie Havens is one of the new faces. She has joined the Power Services team in Darwin as an apprentice. Her dad is a tradie and she’s always been his offsider.

‘I’ve been his little apprentice my whole life,’ she said. ‘So, when I was thinking about what I wanted to do, I wanted something hands-on so I could learn as I work. I’m excited to learn skills and all the nitty gritty stuff about electricity.’

Will Flanagan is joining Power and Water as a trainee with Water Services in Katherine. Having lived interstate, he’s keen to be back in his hometown.

‘I’m looking forward to the combination of working with my hands and working with my brain,’ he said. ‘The lab side, and water production and treatment for drinking water, I find really interesting. Ultimately, I’d like to get into project management.’

Dennis Jevdenijevic applied as an apprentice with Power Services in Darwin 2 years ago and just missed out. He was encouraged to apply again last year and was accepted, then had to defer due to personal unforeseen circumstances.

‘Power and Water was kind enough to hold a position for me this year. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity,’ he said.

‘Learning new things and the opportunities that come with Power and Water are exciting. It’s exciting to see what you can grow into within the organisation.’

Launched last year, the new recruitment process is part of a strategic initiative to continuously build and maintain a high level of skilled, in-house expertise across the organisation. Shortlisted apprenticeship and trainee candidates participate in an assessment centre, where they are evaluated through group activities, individual practical tasks and written exercises. This gives a holistic view of their strengths and skills.

To learn more about Power and Water’s apprenticeship, traineeship, and graduate opportunities, visit website.

Source: Power and Water News and Media 

Treasurer Bill Yan and Under Treasurer Tim McManus will next week travel by road from Darwin and down the track to Alice Springs to talk with Territorians about the state of our economy.

Mr Yan and Mr McManus will outline the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s plan to fix the economic mess left behind after eight years of Labor failings and mismanagement.

The sessions will give businesses, community leaders, and locals a chance to hear directly about the Territory’s finances, the challenges the CLP Government has inherited, and the work which is underway to turn things around.

Roadshow details:

• Darwin: Tuesday 4 February, 4–5:30 pm, DoubleTree By Hilton, Grand Ballroom (200 attendees expected).

• Katherine: Wednesday 5 February, 5–6:30 pm, GYRACC Auditorium (50–100 attendees expected).

• Tennant Creek: Friday 7 February, 9:30–11:00 am, Civic Hall (50–100 attendees expected).

• Alice Springs: Friday 7 February, 4–5:30 pm, DoubleTree, Grand Ballroom (200 attendees expected).

The Economy: Where We Stand

The latest State of the States report from CommSec, covering July to September 2024, and Deloitte Access Economics' December report, paint a challenging picture.

The reports reflect the economic environment the CLP Government inherited when elected in August 2024.

“In just five months, our government has launched the HomeGrown Territory Grants program with over 370 applications and more than $2.2 million in grants paid, Territory Coordinator reform, and abolished payroll tax for 200 small businesses while additionally supporting hundreds of medium businesses to grow,” said Mr Yan.

“Other economic initiatives include establishing the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce to reform regulatory processes and reduce approval timeframes for small businesses and investing $27 million in Alice Springs infrastructure projects.

“The Territory Coordinator will re-define the way business is done and will allow us to focus on our key economic strengths in mining, energy, agriculture, tourism and defence.”

According to Deloitte, the Territory’s economy is expected to contract by 0.4% in 2024-25, primarily due to a 14.3% drop in international exports and an 11.5% fall in housing investment.

There are, however, positive indicators of growth ahead.

Business investment has risen by 5.8%, and the Territory’s economic outlook is forecast to improve dramatically, with a 6.0% growth rate projected for 2025-26 — the highest in the nation.

Equipment spending, a key indicator of business confidence, surged 47.5% last year, and Deloitte predicts steady employment growth and population increases averaging 1.5% annually over the next five years.

These results underscore the resilience of the Territory, and its potential for recovery.

“While the path ahead is tough, these reports affirm what Territorians already know — Labor left the economy in a fragile state,” said Mr Yan.

“Our government has already begun laying the foundations for sustainable growth, but turning the ship around will take time, hard work, and a commitment to doing things differently.

“We’ve taken our time to examine the books which has identified further cost blowouts across Labor’s projects – which is why in eight years we’ve blown out to $12 billion in debt – with their last budget ensuring we reach the debt cap by 2028.”

The CLP Government’s economic plan is built around practical steps — cutting red tape, backing businesses, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

The roadshow will focus on how the government is stabilising the Territory’s finances, reducing costs for families and businesses, and making smart investments to create jobs and drive growth.

To register your interest to attend any of the roadshows, email protocol.cmc@nt.gov.au.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

EP 98 Operational Update: Commencement of SS-2H ST1 and SS-3H stimulation campaign

Highlights:

• Tamboran has commenced stimulation activities of the Shenandoah South 2H sidetrack (SS-2H ST1) and 3H (SS-3H) wells in Beetaloo Basin exploration permit EP 98.
   
• The Company is planning to pump up to 119 stimulation stages across the two wells with reduced spacing between stages. The SS-2H ST1 well is planned to include 43 stages over a 5,427-foot (1,654-metre) horizontal section and the SS-3H well is planned to include 76 stages over a 9,766-foot (2,977-metre) horizontal section.
   
• The campaign is being conducted with the Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) modern stimulation equipment, which is the first 80,000 hydraulic horsepower (HHP) frac spread imported into the Beetaloo Basin from the US.
   
• The increased horsepower from the Liberty equipment is expected to result in a >25% increase in proppant intensity of >2,800 pounds per foot, as compared with Shenandoah South 1H well. All stages are being pumped with a slickwater fluid design.

To view the full ASX announcement, click here.

Source: Tamboran Resources

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce the commencement of stimulation campaign at the Shenandoah S2-2H ST1 (“S2-2H ST1”) and Shenandoah S2-4H (“S2-4H”) wells in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin, Northern Territory, Australia with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s (“Falcon”) joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited (collectively the “Beetaloo JV partners”).

Key Highlights of the Stimulation Campaign

• Stimulation campaign will be completed across:
  • S2-2H ST1’s horizontal section of 1,654 metres (5,427 feet) and;
  • S2-4H’s horizontal section of 2,977 metres (9,766 feet).
• Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) who mobilised equipment and sand to location before the end of last year will carry out the stimulation campaign on behalf of the Beetaloo JV partners.

Shenandoah South Pilot Project (“Pilot”)

For the next drilling phase of the Pilot, which involves the drilling and stimulation of the remaining four wells, Falcon has elected to reduce its participating interest (“PI”) from 5% to 0%.

Key Highlights of the Reduced Participating Interest

• The election by Falcon to reduce its PI to 0% in the remaining four wells of the Pilot will significantly reduce it’s 2025 capital expenditure.
• Falcon participated in the Shenandoah S-1H well in 2023 at its 22.5% PI which created a Drill Spacing Unit (“DSU”) of 20,480 acres.
• Falcon participated in the S2-2H ST1 and the S2-4H wells in 2024 at its reduced 5% PI which created two DSU’s totalling 46,080 acres.
• The Beetaloo JV partners are planning on creating an enlarged area around the Pilot, known as the First Strategic Development Area (“FSDA”), which would amalgamate the acreage and PIs from the DSUs mentioned above and any further DSUs that may be created as part of the Pilot
• Depending on the ultimate size of the planned FSDA Falcon’s combined participation entitlement in the FSDA post the Pilot could be up to 10%.
• Falcon also retains a 22.5% PI in the remaining 4.52 million acres in the Beetaloo, net 1 million acres to Falcon.

To view the full press release, click here

Source: Falcon Oil & Gas