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  • 31 Jul 2019 11:18 AM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)

    Ichthys LNG ramping up – focusing on future opportunities Darwin, Australia – INPEX Corporation has strengthened its commitment to the Northern Territory highlighting a series of announcements to benefit local students and Aboriginal communities.

    The announcements come as the INPEX Corporation Board of Directors visits Darwin for the first time, signalling the importance of the NT and Australia to the company’s global operations and long-term ‘Vision 2040’ growth strategy.

    INPEX strengthens its NT commitments:

    • Six new scholarships for students studying at Charles Darwin University (CDU)

    • $24 million Larrakia Ichthys LNG Foundation Trust

    • More than $3.4 million invested in NT community organisations and initiatives since 2012.

    INPEX Corporation President and CEO, Mr Takayuki Ueda said it was an honour to be in Darwin and that many INPEX Board members were visiting the Top End and Australia for the first time.

    “We take our commitment to the Northern Territory very seriously and we are delighted to be in Darwin for our first ever Board meeting held outside of Japan,” said Mr Ueda.

    “We are using this opportunity to re-inforce our support for local people and communities, visit our state-of-the-art Ichthys LNG onshore processing facilities and to discuss opportunities for further expansion of our business in Australia.”

    The INPEX scholarships, totalling $90,000, will be for Northern Territory students at the university who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate courses relevant to the oil and gas industry. The courses are Bachelor of Engineering Science, Engineering Honours, Science, Environmental Science, Accounting, Business, Computer Science or Information Technology. The scholarships will support two new students commencing studies in each of the following years – 2020, 2021 and 2022.

    The scholarships build on the $3 million investment made by INPEX and its Ichthys LNG joint venture participants in the North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas. The centre is a training hub for the oil and gas industry and was opened at CDU in 2012.

    “We are excited to partner with Charles Darwin University for the INPEX scholarships that will directly benefit students in the Northern Territory,” said Mr Ueda.

    “The education of our next generation and building the capability of our future workforce locally in the Northern Territory is very important to us – it’s one way that we can create shared value for the community and our industry.”

    INPEX AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 31 July 2019 Page 2 of 3 The INPEX scholarships form part of a broader commitment to the NT that encompasses substantial economic and community benefits including the $24 million Larrakia Ichthys LNG Foundation Trust.

    Launched in November 2018 with a $3 million payment, the Package (part of an historic agreement between INPEX, its Ichthys LNG joint venture participants and the Larrakia People) is considered to be the most significant long-term package of benefits and opportunities provided outside of native title obligations.

    The Larrakia Development Corporation is now providing benefits from the Package to the Larrakia People through the Larrakia Scholarship and School Participation programs.

    The recently released INPEX 2019-2022 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan represents INPEX’s commitment towards reconciliation and builds on INPEX’s solid engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities where it operates.

    INPEX President Director Australia, Mr Hitoshi Okawa said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses have shared in the success of Ichthys LNG.

    “We are also committed to delivering on our Solid Pathways program which ensures employment opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people while also encouraging subcontractor employment and business opportunities,” said Mr Okawa.

    “We are very proud that through Ichthys LNG and other projects we will be delivering economic and community benefits for decades to come in the communities in which we operate.

    “That’s why we are pleased to support organisations, initiatives and events that deliver positive outcomes and opportunities for Territorians. We have invested more than $3.4 million into community programs in the Northern Territory since 2012.

    “We particularly focus on young Territorians, health and wellbeing and local business capability. Some of the programs we support include the Volunteer Coastguard, Darwin Festival, the Girls Academy and Volunteering NT.”

    Mr Okawa said the focus in Australia was to continue to ramp-up Ichthys LNG towards full production levels, while looking for future expansion opportunities.

    Since October 2018, Ichthys LNG has safely produced 65 LNG, 14 LPG and 30 condensate cargoes.

    Media Contact: Ms Susie Pantall, Communications Manager, INPEX Australia Office: +61 (0) 862136634 Mobile: +61 (0) 403330020 Email: susie.pantall@inpex.com.au

  • 30 Jul 2019 11:25 AM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)

    INPEX announced today it is funding six students at Charles Darwin University (CDU) to support their studies in courses relating to the oil and gas industry.

    Through a five-year partnership, the students will each receive $5000 a year, for three years of their course. The scholarships will directly support

    Territory students and enable them to pursue their studies at CDU and go on to build their careers in the Northern Territory.

    The Territory’s onshore gas reserves alone contain an estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of reserves and contain enough gas to power Australia for 200 years.

    Recent Deloitte Access Economics research found developing these resources could create up to 6300 new long-term jobs.

    CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sue Carthew said CDU was ideally positioned to help Territorians to equip themselves with the skills to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

    “The oil and gas industry is playing an increasingly important role in the economic development of the Territory and CDU. With the generous support of INPEX, these scholarships will ensure Territorians can access these opportunities and the industry has a strong supply of suitably skilled new employees,” Professor Carthew said.

    INPEX Corporation Representative Director, President and CEO Takayuki Ueda said INPEX was committed to supporting education and employment opportunities for young people.

    “We are excited to partner with Charles Darwin University for the INPEX scholarships that will directly benefit students in the Northern Territory,” said Mr Ueda.

    “The scholarships will help students to complete their studies and go on to build careers in the Northern Territory.”

    The $90,000 commitment to scholarships builds on the $3 million investment made by INPEXoperated Ichthys LNG to support the establishment of the North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas.

  • 25 Jul 2019 10:17 AM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)
    Building a productive onshore gas industry that protects our unique environment and delivers local jobs

    Implementation of pre-exploration recommendations completed


    The Northern Territory Government has completed all recommendations summarised in Table 16.1 of the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory Final Report.

    This means the Northern Territory Government can assess applications for drilling of petroleum wells and hydraulic fracturing.

    The Government has also finalised its Petroleum Reserved Block Policy, following consultation in May/June 2019.

    This policy completes the Final Report’s recommendation on reserved blocks, which stated there should be areas that are off limits to any petroleum activities due to unique values of these areas, or their important role in providing environmental, social, health and cultural benefits to surrounding communities.

    The areas to be declared reserved blocks are:
    • areas of high tourism value,
    • towns and residential areas (including areas that have assets of strategic importance to nearby residential areas),
    • national parks, conservation reserves,
    • areas of high ecological value,
    • areas of cultural significance and
    • Indigenous Protected Areas.

    The formal establishment of the no-go zones under the Petroleum Act will occur in a staged process, with up to 49% of the Territory identified to be protected from petroleum activity.  

    Action will be taken immediately to declare no-go zones. Further consultations and negotiations will be undertaken with stakeholders, including Land Councils, to determine whether they want to declare areas within ALRA as no-go zones.

    Eighty-seven areas will be declared Reserved Blocks as a priority as part of Tranche 1 of declaring no go zones.  This is about 11% of the NT.

    The remaining areas for declaration requires notifications to park or reserve’s Board of Management (Tranche 2), negotiation with a petroleum company if the area interacts with a granted exploration permit (Tranche 3) and consultation with Land Councils (Tranche 4).

    Government is also including the municipalities of Katherine and Alice Springs as a reserved block as well as the Alice Springs airport and the two bore fields that are the current and future town water supply for Alice Springs’, being the Roe Creek and Rocky Hill bore fields.

    The Monitoring and Compliance Strategy has also been released which outlines how key Government agencies will undertake active compliance, monitoring and surveillance to detect any non-compliances in the gas industry. Visit the NTG Newsroom to read more.

    For information on progress towards the implementation of each of the 135 recommendations from the Inquiry – including the completion of the 31 recommendations required for exploration – go to: https://hydraulicfracturing.nt.gov.au/action-items

    Information outlining no-go zone areas, the no-go zone policy and associated maps are available to view here: https://nt.gov.au/industry/mining-and-petroleum/land-tenure-and-availability/petroleum-reserved-blocks 

    Submissions received during no go zone public consultation period are available to view here:  https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/

    First Onshore Shale Gas Exploration Drilling Environment Management Plan Approved

    The first Environment Management Plan (EMP) for Onshore Shale Gas Exploration Drilling has been approved in the McArthur Basin, following the completion of the 31 recommendations required to be completed prior to exploration and drilling recommencing. Visit the NTG Newsroom to read more.

    Independent Oversight 

    Implementation of the recommendations has required careful management and coordination. The appointment of the Independent Officer to oversee the implementation of the recommendations ensures increased transparency and accountability of the implementation process, outside normal government reporting systems. Recognising the importance of this role, the Chief Minister has extended the Independent Officer’s appointment beyond the end of 2019, to ensure this independent oversight continues. In his role as Independent Officer overseeing implementation of the recommendations, Dr David Ritchie is now set to stay in this role for a further six months.

    To contact the Independent Officer, email Dr David Ritchie at independent.oversight@nt.gov.au

    Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group

    The Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group (Reference Group) are instrumental in providing feedback to government on the development of the implementation framework and its subsequent execution, in accordance with recommendation 16.4. The Reference Group has proven to be a valuable medium for stakeholders in the wider community to communicate their views. It has been an essential forum for sharing information and providing opportunities for collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders from across the community, environmental groups, local business, land councils, gas industry and local government.

    The Chief Minister has invited the Reference Group to extend their tenure beyond the initial 12 month period.

    The fifth Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group meeting is scheduled for 28 August, 2019.

    To contact the Reference Group, email CBreference.Group@nt.gov.au

    If you have any further questions, you can contact the Hydraulic Fracturing Inquiry Implementation Taskforce at hydraulic.fracturing@nt.gov.au


  • 24 Jul 2019 1:34 PM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)

    The Territory Labor Government has announced no-go zones for gas exploration and production, and released the Compliance and Monitoring Strategy. 

    All 31 recommendations identified by the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing (Inquiry) as requiring implementation before exploration drilling and fracking can occur have now been implemented.

    The Territory Labor Government has implemented the criteria for no-go zones from the Inquiry, coupled with areas where there is no petroleum potential.

    The formal establishment of the no-go zones under the Petroleum Act will occur in a staged process, with 49% of the Territory identified to be protected from petroleum activity.  

    Action will be taken to declare immediate no-go zones. Further consultations and negotiations will be undertaken with stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, to determine whether they want to declare areas within Aboriginal Land as no-go zones.

    Following community consultation and feedback, Katherine and Alice Springs municipalities are both to be declared as no-go zones.

    The Compliance and Monitoring Strategy outlines how key Government agencies will undertake active compliance, monitoring and surveillance to detect any non-compliances in the gas industry.

    For information on progress towards the implementation of each of the 135 recommendations from the Inquiry – including the completion of the 31 recommendations required for exploration – go to: https://hydraulicfracturing.nt.gov.au/action-items

    Information outlining no-go zone areas, the no-go zone criteria are available to view here: https://nt.gov.au/industry/mining-and-petroleum/land-tenure-and-availability/petroleum-reserved-blocks 

    Submissions received during public consultation are available to view here: https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/

    The Compliance and Monitoring Strategy is available to view here https://denr.nt.gov.au/onshore-gas/onshore-gas-in-the-northern-territory/industry-compliance-and-reporting

    Quotes from the Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:

    “The Territory Labor Government has done exactly what we promised to do.

    “Today we have reached a significant milestone with the completion of all the pre-exploration recommendations.

    “Our Government will make sure that as the Territory’s onshore gas industry emerges, our unique natural environment is protected and local jobs come first.

    Quotes from the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

    “Our natural environment is one of our best assets and it’s a large part of what makes living in the Territory so special.

    “It is important that our unique environment and the jobs that rely on it are protected – and that is exactly what this Government is doing.

    Media Contact: 

    Hannah West (Minister Kirby) 0436 641 108

    Ellie Clancy (Minister Lawler) 0436 646 689 


  • 24 Jul 2019 1:23 PM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)

    From Minister Eva Lawler

    The first Environment Management Plan (EMP) for Onshore Shale Gas Exploration Drilling has been approved in the McArthur Basin, following the completion of 31 recommendations from the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing required before shale gas exploration and drilling can commence.

    The Santos McArthur Basin EP 161 Drilling Program 2019 EMP received 22 submissions as a result of the public consultation process, a process that was implemented by this Labor Government.

    Santos revised their EMP following the public consultation process, including the wastewater management plan and spill management plan, ensuring that environmental risks will be controlled and reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practical and acceptable.

    The Territory Labor Government is restoring trust and certainty through the implementation of a robust, clear and transparent set of rules and guidelines around how the environment must be protected in accordance with the recommendations of the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing and is meeting the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

    As part of the decision to lift the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, new regulations require the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources to publish an EMP for public comment on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) website where the activity involves the drilling of a petroleum well or hydraulic fracturing, and the outcome of the decision, including a statement of reasons.

    For more information on EMPs under consideration or outcomes of decisions, go to https://denr.nt.gov.au/onshore-gas/environment-management-plan

    Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:

    “Our environment is important and the Territory Labor Government understands that it is a large part of what makes living in the Northern Territory so special.

    “As a Government, we are restoring trust and certainty through the implementation of a robust, clear and transparent set of rules and guidelines on how the environment must be protected – good environment policy is smart economic policy.

    “Providing the community with a legislative right to have their say on an EMP relating to drilling or fracking will help restore trust and transparency - a process that did not exist under the previous CLP government.”


    Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689


  • 04 Jul 2019 3:25 PM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)

    SANTOS announced today an expansion to its money saving solar plans as its South Australian Port Bonython processing plant, which processes natural gas liquids and crude oil piped from the Moomba plant for export, switched on a 2.12 megawatt solar farm. 

    AGL Energy performed the engineering, installation and connection.  

    The project will generate three gigawatt hours of power a year, and save Santos 6% of its current electricity use.  

    "This solar installation at Port Bonython is our biggest demonstration yet of how we can work with renewables to not only reduce our carbon emissions but to also free up more gas for the domestic markets," managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said.  

    "As a large industrial user of electricity, we're also doing our bit to reduce the burden on the grid by generating new supply." 

    This follows from the battery announcement Santos made with Darwin LNG joint venture partner ConocoPhillips, which is designed to reduce emissions by 20% from the plant as it cuts its fuel gas use.   

    The company is still looking at converting its full fleet of Cooper Basin beam pumps to solar for around $50 million, and has also spent $10 million on a closer look at carbon capture and storage.  

    "In the Cooper Basin alone we consume for fuel an equivalent of 5% of the east coast market, that's a lot of gas and we're very focussed on freeing that up," he said during a panel discussion on the third day of the conference.  

    "It's not just the Cooper, the fuel consumption of our LNG plant is not that dissimilar," he said. 

    Rystad Energy's Gero Farrugio presentation at APPEA suggested oil majors in Australia are jumping on the ‘solar coaster', hoping to replace the 15% of gas currently used for infield power with renewables.  

    Farrugio put a $70 million figure on possible savings.  

    "In Western Australia, we're replacing existing power generation turbines at our Devil Creek plant with more fuel-efficient ones - not only reducing emissions by more than 25% but also generating Australian Carbon Credit Units as a registered project with the Emissions Reduction Fund," Gallagher said today.  

    "These initiatives are steps along the way to achieving our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050." 


  • 28 Jun 2019 3:17 PM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)

    SANTOS confirmed late yesterday the Barossa field would supply backfill gas the Darwin LNG plant it shares with ConocoPhillips, announcing it had entered exclusive commercial negotiations period in order to reach a processing services agreement and settle on a tariff. 

    Santos expects a final investment decision next year.  

    Barossa entered front-end engineering and design in April last year, and last month Santos announced the contract to supply the subsea production system and associated installation support had been awarded. 

    "This exclusivity confirms the confidence we had to commit to long-lead items last month and maintain project schedule to deliver gas to DLNG as early as possible," Santos managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said.  

    "Clearly, it also confirms Barossa's status as the lead candidate for the supply of backfill gas to Darwin LNG. 

    "Bids have also been received and are being evaluated for the FPSO, gas export pipeline and development drilling. We're getting on with the job." 

    Barossa is 300km north of Darwin, and will replace the declining Bayu-Undan field in feeding the plant. That oil and gas field is one of Timor-Leste's main sources revenue.  

    Eni's Evans Shoal field was another candidate for DLNG backfill though most have long though Barossa would eventually be chosen.  

    The Barossa joint venture is made up of operator ConocoPhillips (37.5%), SK E&S (37.5%) and Santos (25%) and Darwin LNG of ConocoPhillips (57% and operator), Santos (11.5%) Inpex (11%) Eni (11%) and Tokyo Timor Sea Resources (10%).  

    The plant is expected to be offline for 18 months or more once Bayu-Undan ceases production and Barossa comes online with a probable start up around 2024. 


  • 17 Jun 2019 5:17 PM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)

    CSIRO GISERA release report on wet season baseline methane monitoring in the Beetaloo Sub-basin

    CSIRO GISERA (Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance) has published its third milestone report following its final round of wet season baseline methane monitoring in the Beetaloo Sub-basin.

    CSIRO GISERA was engaged by the Territory Government to undertake baseline monitoring of methane concentrations prior to the grant of any exploration permits. This is in line with recommendation 9.3 from the Final Report of the Independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory.

    This milestone report presents the findings of the third methane baseline surveys, which was conducted during the Northern Territory wet season between 30 January and 5 February 2019.

    Previous surveys were conducted during the dry season in July and August 2018, and during the fire season in November 2018. Each of the reports is available on the 
    GISERA website.  A Final Report of the baseline survey activity will be completed by CSIRO GISERA in the coming weeks

    As with previous surveys, this survey was conducted using two gas analysers mounted in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The vehicle covered about 4,050 km on roads and tracks which were accessible in the wet season conditions.

    Methane concentrations were found to be mostly similar to natural concentrations with an average of 1.84 parts per million. No elevated atmospheric methane emissions were detected near abandoned petroleum wells and water bores that were visited during the first two surveys.

    Termite mounds were found to be a seasonal source of methane which contrasts with previous measurements, where no measurable atmospheric methane emissions were detected during the dry season and fire season.

    This survey completes the on ground baseline methane monitoring in the Beetaloo Sub-basin for pre-exploration activities. CSIRO GISERA is expected to publish its final report later this month.

    Results of these studies are important for delivering on the recommendations of the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory.


    To read the latest from the Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance, please visit 
    https://gisera.csiro.au/

    To read the Implementation Plan or access additional information, please visit hydraulicfracturing.nt.gov.au

    To read the Inquiry report and recommendations, please visit frackinginquiry.nt.gov.au

    Or you can contact the Hydraulic Fracturing Inquiry Implementation Taskforce at hydraulic.fracturing@nt.gov.au

  • 14 Jun 2019 12:07 PM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)
    Code of Practice released

    The Code of Practice has been released, further strengthening protections for the environment and delivering an accountable and transparent onshore gas industry. 

    The establishment of the Code means the majority of the recommendations required for exploration to commence this year have been implemented.

    The Code was developed by the Northern Territory Government, working closely with the CSIRO, and peer reviewed by scientific experts from around the world.

    The draft Code was out for public comment earlier this year.

    The Code mandates enforceable standards and requirements for the onshore gas industry on key issues, including:

    • Well operations
    • Surface activities
    • Wastewater management
    • Methane emissions
    The release of the Code of Practice supports the delivery of the 135 recommendations in the Final Report of the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory.

    Read the 
    Code of Practice here

    To read the latest from the NTG Newsroom, please visit 
    NTG Newsroom

    To read the Implementation Plan or access additional information, please visit hydraulicfracturing.nt.gov.au

    To read the Inquiry report and recommendations, please visit frackinginquiry.nt.gov.au

    Or you can contact the Hydraulic Fracturing Inquiry Implementation Taskforce at hydraulic.fracturing@nt.gov.au


  • 12 Jun 2019 2:15 PM | Sonia Harvey (Administrator)

    The Territory Labor Government has finalised the Code of Practice, further strengthening protections for the environment and delivering an accountable and transparent onshore gas industry, which will support Territory jobs.

    The Northern Territory Government is implementing all 135 recommendations from the Independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing. The establishment of the Code means the majority of the recommendations required for exploration to commence this year have been implemented.

    The Code was developed by the Northern Territory Government, working closely with the CSIRO, and peer reviewed by scientific experts from around the world.

    A total of 29 substantive public submissions were received while the draft Code was available for public comment.

    In response to public submissions, the Code has been revised to make it clear that enclosed tanks are required to be used to store wastewater. The Code has also been made clearer regarding wastewater treatment, evaporation, transport and disposal requirements.

    The Code mandates enforceable standards and requirements for the onshore gas industry on key issues, including: 

    • Well operations

    • Surface activities

    • Wastewater management; and

    • Methane emissions.

    Development of the Territory’s onshore petroleum industry has the potential to generate significant investment in the local economy and create local jobs.

    Following the approval of environment management plans, civil works are commencing in the Beetaloo basin, in accordance with the Code of Practice. Copies of approved environment management plans will be available to be viewed here: https://denr.nt.gov.au/environment-information/onshore-gas-in-the-northern-territory/environment-management-plan

    Quotes from Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:

    “With this new Code of Practice, our Government is delivering strong and clear regulation to protect the environment, give certainty for investment, and meet community demands.

    “Our Government has a clear plan to protect our environment, create local jobs and ensure the actions of Government and industry are transparent and accountable.

    “We expect to see exploration this dry season – so long as the companies have met all the requirements that they need to meet.”

    Quotes from the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

    “The Territory’s natural environment is one of our best assets and a huge part of what makes living here so special. Protecting the environment creates jobs — good environmental policy, is smart economic policy.

    “We are restoring trust and certainty through the implementation of a robust, clear and transparent set of rules and guidelines for how the environment must be protected.”

    “These reforms will strengthen governance and accountability for environmental decisions, providing greater certainty for business and the community.”


    Media contacts: Carl Pfeiffer 0417 910 720 (Minister Kirby), Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689 (Minister Lawler).


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