APPEA says after three years lost now time to get on with it

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association says after almost three years of activity lost to the Gunner Government’s moratorium and its resolution, it hopes to start exploration in the NT “as soon as possible”

Falcon Oil and gas has a stake in the Northern Territory's Beetaloo sub-basin SUPPLIED

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association says that after almost three years of activity lost to the Gunner Government’s moratorium and its resolution, the industry hopes to start exploration in the Northern Territory as soon as possible.

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Matthew Doman wants to move forward with exploration

APPEA external affairs director Matthew Doman said the priority now was to move forward with gas exploration that will benefit the Territory and provide jobs and investment.

The Government yesterday announced it had finalised its code of practice for frackers, meaning exploration could begin almost immediately.

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The code is a critical component of implementing the recommendations of the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory, and addresses the recommendations of the inquiry which were required for exploration to recommence.

The codes were developed by a technical working group including the Government’s regulatory inspectors and engineers working closely with CSIRO scientific staff.

“The codes now represent some of the most comprehensive and rigorous regulations in the world,” Mr Doman said.

“They set enforceable standards for a range of activities including well operations, surface activities, and water management.

“Further exploration and potential development of the NT’s onshore oil and gas resources, including those contained in shale and tight formations, will improve the Northern Territory’s long-term energy security, provide a reliable gas feedstock for new industrial development.

“After almost three years of activity lost to the moratorium and its resolution, the industry hopes to start exploration as soon as possible.”

Environment Minister Eva Lawler

Environment Minister Eva Lawler said onshore gas exploration was expected to begin in the Territory within days after the NT Government signed off on environmental management plans for Santos and Origin.

Ms Lawler said the Government has signed off on two Environmental Management Plans from Santos for a well site in Tanumbirini and Origin Energy for a site in Kyalla last Thursday.

“Two of those plans are specifically around civils and allow those companies onto the Beetaloo to start the work for exploration,” Ms Lawler said.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources executive director Chris Shaw said they were due to start the work there in the coming days, if not weeks.