APA Group has lodged an application to build Sturt Plateau pipeline from the Beetaloo

New project tipped to inject tens of millions of dollars in investment and hundred of jobs into regional NT. Read what it is.

The widespread distribution of Beetaloo Sub-basin gas is moving closer with the publication of an application to build the Sturt Plateau pipeline.

Lodged by APA Group, Australia’s largest natural gas infrastructure business, the application appeared in last Wednesday’s NT News and NT Government Gazette and could result in hundreds of additional Territory jobs.

The estimated $70 million, 37km pipeline will be laid underground to connect Tamboran Resources’ Shenandoah South gas field to the existing Amadeus Gas pipeline.

The 1658km Amadeus pipeline pumps gas from Central Australia’s Amadeus Basin to Darwin to power the Channel Island power station.

Tamboran employees at Shenandoah South.

Surface markers at certain locations will identify the presence of the underground pipe, which will be installed under the Stuart Highway to avoid traffic impacts.

The 12-inch diameter pipeline has been designed to transport up to 50 terajoules a day.

Presenting its financial year 2025 second-quarter results, Tamboran, which holds about 1.9 million acres in the Beetaloo, is targeting first gas production for the first half of 2026.

The NT Government’s nine-year deal with Tamboran to provide gas for power generation comes with an option to extend for another six-and-a-half years.

NT Mining Minister Gerard Maley said the pipeline application was a “pivotal step” towards commercial gas sales occurring by the first-half of 2026.

NT Mining Minister Gerard Maley. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“The lodgement by the APA Group of the Sturt Plateau Pipeline licence application is another pivotal step towards commercial gas sales occurring in mid-2026 from Tamboran’s operations in the Beetaloo Sub-basin,” Mr Maley said.

“The public advertising of the licence application is part of the regulatory processes and any feedback received will be considered during the decision making process regarding the grant of the pipeline licence.

“Tamboran and its joint venture partners are developing this area to initially provide 40 terajoules of energy per day for the Territory.

“APA Group’s investment in pipeline infrastructure is a milestone in the development of the Beetaloo Sub-basin to provide energy security for the Territory and ultimately on the east coast of Australia.”

APA Group chief executive and managing director Adam Watson. Picture: Supplied by APA Group

APA Group chief executive and managing director Adam Watson said lodging the application was a step towards Beetaloo gas powering Territory homes and businesses.

“The development of the Beetaloo Basin is in the national interest, supporting energy security and economic development in the Northern Territory, and helping to meet the energy needs of households and businesses along the east coast of Australia for decades to come,” he said.

“Approximately 88 per cent of electricity generated in the Northern Territory comes from gas fired power generation and around 60 per cent of the Northern Territory’s gas supply from 2026 is forecast to come from Tamboran’s first pilot gas development.

“It is expected that the Sturt Plateau Pipeline project will generate up to 150 jobs during peak construction, with a range of different skills required during the construction phase.

“APA is committed to working with local community and businesses as this project progresses. The measures developed through the Pepper Report will ensure Beetaloo gas can be delivered safely, responsibly and sustainably with strong environmental safeguards.”

Originally published as APA Group has lodged an application to build Sturt Plateau pipeline from the Beetaloo