The Northern Territory Government has announced in its 2024 Budget that it will invest $2 million each year to conduct a regional monitoring program in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin.
The government said natural gas from the Beetaloo Sub-Basin will provide work opportunities for thousands of Territorians, secure the state’s energy supplies, and deliver a boost to local businesses across the Territory.
The monitoring program is designed to ensure that there are strong environmental safeguards in place and will build on the baseline data already collected through the Beetaloo Sub-Basin Strategic Regional Environmental and Baseline Assessment (SREBA).
The government said the Beetaloo Sub-Basin gas industry has the potential to provide 13,000 jobs by 2040 and increase the Northern Territory’s economic activity by $17 billion.
The monitoring program is designed to ensure that the Territory’s gas industry is developed safely and provides transparent, publicly accessible reporting.
Charles Darwin University will undertake most of the monitoring activities, including data collection, analysis and public reporting – ensuring Aboriginal engagement, including involvement of ranger groups in data collection.
Northern Territory Chief Minister, Eva Lawler, said, “I’m focused on getting the Territory working and that’s why it’s important to back the natural gas industry and support its growth.
“We know that when the gas industry in the Territory grows there will be thousands of new work opportunities for Territorians.
“We’re backing the industries that get the Territory working,” Ms Lawler said.
Northern Territory Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Kate Worden, said, “We support our gas industry – and this funding will ensure the industry can proceed in an environmentally responsible and safe way.
“Establishing our gas industry in the region will be a vital part of growing our economy to $40 billion by 2030 and creating thousands of jobs for Territorians over the next 15 years,” Ms Worden said.
Northern Territory Minister for Mining, Mark Monaghan, said, “Supporting the expansion of our gas industry will help make the Territory an energy powerhouse – and that means more work opportunities for Territorians.”
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