Industry News

Adrian Richardson been cooking with natural gas to sizzle up some delicious recipes, igniting flavour that will impress your family and friends in Season Two of The Chef’s Secret.

You can now binge all six episodes right here, and check out each of the written recipes at the link next to every episode description!

Check out all the episodes now online!

DRAG QUEEN pop icon, RuPaul, owns 66,000 acres of prosperous land in Wyoming, and leases the mineral rights to oil and gas operators.

In an interview with NPR, RuPaul Andre Charles (RuPaul) revealed she owned a "modern ranch" and had no problem leasing the mineral rights to oil and gas operators.

The interview was conducted by Terry Gross and centred on RuPaul's "recipe" for a successful life. 

RuPaul, who became a household name by creating reality television series RuPaul's Drag Race, noted a major step in her success was owning the ranch along with her Perth-born husband Georges LeBar.

"A modern ranch, 21st-century ranch, is really land management," RuPaul said.

"You lease the mineral rights to oil companies. And you sell water to oil companies. And then you lease the grazing rights to different ranchers."

Social media exploded following RuPaul's transparency that she benefited financially by leasing mineral rights to energy companies.

Thousands of Twitter users accused RuPaul of promoting "dangerous" fraccing.

"Finding out RuPaul fucking fracks is like being slapped across the face after being shoved to the ground by coronavirus and kicked by boomers," one twitter user said.  

Source: Energy News Bulletin

Read more here

The Territory Labor Government will deliver a $65 million Jobs Rescue & Recovery Plan to protect Territorians from the deep economic impacts of the coronavirus.

Our plan is all about keeping shops open, cash flowing and Territorians working.

We acted fast by delivering Australia’s first stimulus package last month – a $2 million Tourism Reliance Package to protect tourism businesses and jobs.

Now we are going further to save jobs, protect businesses and keep the Territory’s economy on the road to recovery.

The best way to protect the economy is to save local jobs, not bring in deep cuts.

This is our second package and we are actively considering more options to support local businesses in the short-term and get Territorians spending more locally.

Our plan’s number one focus is jobs – protecting existing jobs and creating new jobs. The experts have told us the best way to do that is to get money into the pockets of Territorians that can be spent in local businesses – so that’s exactly what we are doing.

The Territory Labor Government will keep doing everything it can to protect Territory jobs, but we know we can’t do it alone.

We’ve been working with industry and small business owners to develop this economic package. And we will continue to partner with the private sector and NGOs to protect Territorians as much as possible from the impacts from the coronavirus. 

When times get tough, Territorians need to stick together and work together. That’s what we’ll keep doing.

All measures will begin within approximately two weeks and money is expected to be spent within six months. More information can be found out: business.nt.gov.au/recovery  

 

HELPING TERRITORY BUSINESSES AND FAMILIES

$20 million Business Improvement Scheme

• This is aimed at helping businesses get customers back into premises by undertaking improvements to a Territory business. All eligible businesses will receive $10,000. If the recipient also wants to put in their own $10,000, they will then get an additional $10,000 from the Government. This creates a $30,000 grant (with business pitching in $10,000 of their own money). The upgrades and purchases have to be from another Territory business. This could include buying new equipment, new shop fit-outs and physical changes to attract customers

$5 million Business Structural Adjustment package

• This package will assist businesses who need to physically adjust to the 100 person rule or to establish or upgrade their online presence to adjust to changing behaviours of consumption. The Chief Minister has directed public servants to personally speak with affected local businesses. All businesses can apply, but the Department will be focusing on the hospitality sector first (such as restaurants). Terms and conditions and a hotline will be released soon.

$5 million Immediate Works Grants Package 

• This package reintroduces the Immediate Works Grant for incorporated not-for-profit and community organisations – including clubs - to undertake repairs, renovations and upgrades to their premises/facilities. Applicants can apply for grants of up to $50,000, which will then be matched dollar-for-dollar if the organisation also puts in their own $50,000. Up to $200,000 on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis for amounts above $100,000

Freezing Government Fees and Charges and Electricity Prices

• All Government fees and charges – including electricity, water and car registration will be frozen (no increase due to indexation) until 1 July 2021. Electricity prices for small and medium businesses (those paying regulated tariffs) will be frozen from 1 July 2020 (no increase due to indexation) until 1 July 2021.

 $30 million Home Improvement Scheme

• $6000 grant for Territory homeowners and landlords who also contribute $2000, and a $4000 grant with a $1000 contribution.

SUPPORTING TERRITORY TOURISM

• We are supporting our local tourism, hospitality and retail operators by encouraging Territorians to get out and explore their own backyard, with a dedicated intra-Territory campaign developed by local creatives and rolled out via local media channels.
• The Government will also boost investment into marketing to encourage tourism as an opportunity to help disperse visitors through the Territory over the coming months, motivating Australian’s to take a self-drive trip is a great way to experience our destination.

RESCUE AND RECOVERY PACKAGE PRINCIPLES

In addition to the announced stimulus packages, the Territory Labor Government response to the coronavirus will operate, to the extent possible, under the following action principles:

1. Our focus is on jobs NOT cuts
2. Our approach is to work together with Territorians, the private sector, and Territory organisations - we cannot do this alone
3. Our financial support needs to be spent, not banked
4. Our public service will be responsive and flexible to requests for help
5. Our contracting and procurement decisions need to be fast and fair
6. Our employees will be encouraged to buy locally and holiday in the Territory
7. Our sponsorship of events that have been cancelled or deferred will still be used to support that organisation’s work - as agreed/in negotiation with Government.
8. Our employees will be encouraged to cash out their recreational leave and spend money locally

We will work with the private sector and Territory organisations to encourage their continued contribution to our economic recovery. This includes encouraging:

1. Banks to be more flexible in their dealings with businesses, particularly in regards to loan repayments
2. Landlords to reduce or defer rent payments from businesses
3. The Federal Government to defer or cease FBT on entertainment
4. The private sector to be more flexible in their contract arrangements with each other
5. Local governments to undertake their own stimulus packages
6. Federal Government employees to buy in the NT and holiday in the NT
7. Federal Government employees to cash out their recreational leave and spend money locally

Media Contact: Gerard Richardson 0438 693 898

VICTORIA’s conventional onshore exploration ban will end mid-2021 in a move welcomed by a surprised industry after it introduced two bills to parliament.

One bill will formally end the moratorium, albeit a year after it was due to come off, and the other will ban fraccing permanently.

It is a surprising move from a premier who expanded onshore exploration bans and has pushed hard on a renewable agenda but Andrews said he is following the science and is looking to an "orderly restart" of exploration next year after three years of investigation by the Victorian Gas Program.

The results concluded conventional exploration will not "compromise the state's environmental and agricultural credentials".

The study concluded the state could enjoy a $310 million windfall "for regional economies" and create 6,400 jobs.

Companies will soon be awarded the rights over blocks in waters next to existing sites, it said.

The government said gas "will continue to play an important role in supporting Victoria's transition to a cleaner energy future".

Andrews said his government was "backing the science to create… and support regional communities" and banning facing "to protect farming communities".

The difference between the two was not made clear, though scientific inquiries in many jurisdictions, most recently Western Australia, have repeatedly suggested the practice can be safely conducted when scientific guidelines are adhered to.

Source: Energy News Bulletin

Read more here

Please see below links to useful information for business.  These pages will be reviewed and updated regularly with the latest available information. SecureNT information for businesses  SecureNT information for employers  SecureNT information on mass gatherings  Australian Government support The Australian Government has announced an economic response totalling $17.6 billion. This includes the Boosting Cash Flow for Employers measure, providing up to $25,000 back to business, with a minimum payment of $2,000 for eligible businesses. Find out more information here .  Secure NT For the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation, follow SecureNT on Facebook  or visit www.securent.nt.gov.au  COVID-19 Resources A collection of resources for the general public, health professionals and industry about coronavirus (COVID-19), including translated resources, are available on the Australian Government website .  Latest health advice on COVID-19 Australian Government Department of Health - https://www.health.gov.au  The National Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080 There is a dedicated COVID-19 hotline number for the NT - 1800 008 002 If you are in Darwin and need to arrange testing, please call the Public Health Unit on 8922 8044.

The Department of Trade, Business and Innovation’s Small Business Champions team are on the ground to meet with businesses and provide support as required. Contact the Small Business Champions team on 1800 193 111.

THE second Timor-Leste breakfast which opened at the Australasian Oil and Gas Summit in Perth Friday followed by a rundown of the nation’s second-ever licensing round was well attended despite the shadows hanging over what could yet be the year’s last industry conference.

Petroleum and Minerals Authority (ANPM) head Dino Da Silva told the room it was the best attended event yet of the roadshow. 

Timor-Leste's oilmen have been on since October, with double the 40 or so who showed up at conferences in Houston and Abu Dhabi attendign the Perth event.  

Energy News understands Timor-Leste's stand, strategically located beside the Industry Supply Forum where Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan and Woodside Petroleum COO Meg O'Neill delivered keynote speeches Wednesday, was so busy staff missed lunch Thursday.  

Still, appetite for exploration seemed muted with most companies registered already holding assets in the nation, such as Woodside, Eni and Santos, once its buy of ConocoPhillips' assets completes.  

The offer, which has 11 offshore blocks and seven onshore, is the first in years and was launched at its inaugural oil and gas conference in capital Dili in October,  and is set to close this October.  

Companies can enter for pre-qualification now and the winners are announced next year.  

Energy News understands one company which already has assets in the nation has made an offer.  

Data available is reprocessed 2D seismic and other work by TGS and CGG.  

Given the power outages in the nation, the data room is kept on a server in London and companies which register via the ANPM's website will have 24 hour access. There is no limit to the amount of staff members one company can sign up to look over the data but all has been water marked and inbuilt software prevents screengrabs.  

An airborne gravity survey has also been completed. 

Source: Energy News Bulletin

Read more here

Santos today announced it had agreed to sell a 25% interest in Darwin LNG and Bayu-Undan to SK E&S for US$390 million with effect from 1 October 2019 with customary adjustments on completion.[1] Santos also receives the benefit of approximately US$120 million of cash flow relating to the interests from 1 January 2019 to 1 October 2019.

The sale is conditional on completion by Santos of the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ northern Australia and Timor-Leste portfolio as announced on 14 October 2019, third-party consents, regulatory approvals and a final investment decision on Barossa.

SK E&S already has a 37.5% interest in the Barossa project to backfill Darwin LNG. Santos’ sale of interests in Darwin LNG and Bayu-Undan to SK E&S advances partner alignment for the development of Barossa, which remains a key priority for both companies.

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the agreement with SK E&S builds partner alignment and is another significant step towards bringing Barossa gas into production through the Darwin LNG facilities.

“We are delighted to have agreed terms with SK E&S to acquire interests in Darwin LNG and Bayu-Undan and look forward to continuing and building on the long-term relationship between our two companies.”

“Santos continues to build alignment between the Darwin LNG and Barossa joint ventures through discussions with Darwin LNG participants and others to acquire equity in Barossa. We are in advanced discussions to sell-down equity in Barossa to a target ownership of around 40% to achieve increased partner alignment.”

“Santos expects to take a final investment decision for the development of Barossa following completion of the ConocoPhillips acquisition and once all necessary technical, engineering and commercial contracts are in place, including the processing agreement with Darwin LNG, to allow the project to proceed subject to market conditions,” Mr Gallagher said.

As announced on 14 October 2019, Santos’ net funding requirement for the ConocoPhillips acquisition is expected to be approximately US$775-825 million, net of the proceeds realised from the sell-down to SK E&S and post the benefit of cash flows generated from the acquired business from the ConocoPhillips acquisition effective date of 1 January 2019 to completion with customary adjustments.

Santos’ pro-forma gearing on completion of both the ConocoPhillips acquisition and SK E&S sell-down is expected to be approximately 33.5% (approximately 31% pre-AASB 16 lease liabilities) before any cash generated from the sell-down of equity in Barossa.

Credit Suisse (Australia) Limited and J.B. North & Co. are acting as financial advisers to Santos and Allens is acting as legal adviser to Santos. 

[1]  Santos will acquire the 25% interest in Darwin LNG and Bayu-Undan to be sold to SK E&S under the ConocoPhillips acquisition which has an effective date of 1 January 2019. Santos will have the benefit of cashflows from the 25% interests until 1 October 2019 being the effective date for the sale to SK E&S.

Source: Santos

AUSTRALIAN explorer Empire Energy has received approval from the Northern Territory government to drill its Carpentaria-1 exploration well in the Beetaloo Basin.

The company is now finalising a well design and looking to contract a drill rig and service providers for the project located in onshore exploration permit EP187.

Carpentaria-1 is a vertical well scheduled to spud in the dry season this year. It will be drilled to a depth of approximately 2900 metres.

While Empire is yet to make a final investment decision on the big budget well, the company is optimistic about its future plans and is working closely with Brisbane-based engineering consultant InGuage Energy on well design.

InGuage and Empire have designed the well to include an extensive evaluation program consisting of coring which with give valuable insight into the geology of the target formations.

This data would then form the basis of the next phase work program and recoverable volumes of oil, gas and liquids.

Just over a month ago, Empire confirmed an extension of its permit in the Beetaloo Sub-basin giving the explorer confidence of a future oil and gas discovery.

Empire shot 2D seismic data across its acreage which confirmed two major shale targets, Velkerri and Kyalla, extending to the north of Santos' big budget Tamburini-1 appraisal well.

The Velkerri Shale sits around 2200m below surface and is estimated to be around 600m thick.

The shallower Kyalla shale is located at a depth of 1200m.

Both the Velkerri and Kyalla shales have attracted the attention of big plays including Origin Energy and Santos, which consider the underexplored region to be extremely commercial. In total Empire holds 14.5 million acres across the McArthur and Beetaloo Sub-basins.

Source: Energy News Bulletin

Read more here

Thanks to Liz Wilsen from Halikos Hospitality group who would also like to extend an offer to our Energy Club NT Members.

H on Mitchell Apartments

Offer one:

1 Bedroom Apartment- Full facilities + Balcony

Rate: $149.00 per night- inclusions Hot breakfast for two people/Undercover secure carparking/WIFI/Late checkout until 2 pm .

Offer two:

2 Bedroom Apartments – Full Faculties + Balcony

Rate Per night $ 189.00- inclusions Hot breakfast for two people/Undercover secure carparking/WIFI/Late checkout until 2 pm

To redeem these rates the bookings must be made directly using the contact details below: 

Email: bookings@hhotels.com.au

PH 1300 6888 72

All offers are valid from 1 March to 1 May 2020. Please ensure you provide proof of membership to access these offers

2020 Energy Club NT Member Benefits

Throughout 2020, Energy Club NT will seek to work with local businesses to promote opportunities and member benefits to our extensive network.

It's exciting to announce our new local business partnership with Wharf One Food & Wine down at the Darwin Waterfront. Wharf One will be providing a significant contribution of prizes and vouchers to our very popular social events through out the year and also monthly specials for our members to use for business and pleasure.

Wharf One team have been working hard to transform their venue to provide a great spot for casual drinks, various dining options to share or a la carte and corporate events with an unbeatable view on the water providing a fantastic atmosphere to relax.

Thanks to Wharf One for supporting Energy Club NT and our members throughout 2020 with our first member benefit offers below and plenty more to come! 

Download the Energy Club NT Member App via WildApricot from the app store for iphone or android now!

On the membership app you can log in to the members vault using your email and also:

• Access a member card to receive member benefits - show this when using the member benefits provided by our partners
• View upcoming events
• View you registration history
• Find other members and contact them
• Update your details 

If you don't have the app on your device, show your members badge to access the member benefits from our partners.

Wharf One Offer One:

Not Hungry? just come down and relax by the water and enjoy an icy cold beer, wine or cocktail.  Enjoy our air conditioned bar area or on the Terrace overlooking Stokes Hill Wharf, it’s the perfect location to bring your work colleagues, family or friends for a drink or two. Share plates and platters available.

Energy Club NT members receive 10% discount on beverages.

Must mention Energy Club when booking to redeem. 

Wharf One Offer Two:

Look no further, we have the perfect function space for your next Event. Wharf One Food & Wine blends contemporary indoor and alfresco function spaces with culinary excellence and friendly service. 

From groups of ten up to 1000, we have spaces suitable for all types of functions, meetings, seminars, networking, breakfast, lunch and dinner functions.

No venue hire fees, internal PA system and Big Screen Television complementary. 

Energy Club NT members receive a corporate booking special: $50pp

Canapes and 2 hour beverage package, plus a $50 door prize to give away at the event.

All offers are valid from 1 March to 1 May 2020. Please ensure you provide proof of membership to access these offers

Get on down and support Wharf One Food & Wine and take advantage of our exclusive new member benefits from our new local business partner. www.wharfone.com.au