The Territory’s Labor opposition announced on Wednesday that it would impose a moratorium of fraccing if they were elected into power at the next election.
The announcement was quickly condemned by both Jemena, the Giles Government and the wider industry.
Jemena told the <a href="http://www.ntnews.com.au/business/gas-pipeline-benefits-under-threat/news-story/3a27ff06cef4ccbfe3e89033e8c1ad1f" title="NT News” target=”_blank”>NT News that gas would definitely be flowing by 2018.
“Work has already started on designing and building the NGP, and first gas will flow from 2018,” a spokesperson said.
“However, any decision that would make it more difficult for customers to source additional gas could compromise the opportunity to build a bigger pipeline and deliver greater economic benefits to the NT.”
Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles was quick to outline that the NGP will provide massive economic benefits to the Territory.
“Labor’s ban threatens the $800 million gas pipeline to the East Coast, and the 900 jobs it will create by robbing the pipeline of gas it needs to be viable,” said Mr Giles.
Opposition Leader Michael Gunner beleives there is enough gas for the pipeline without onshore developments.
“It has always been clear that the excess gas from ENI and future supplies from Mereenie and future offshore supplies are what you need to build your business case around the pipeline on,” said Mr Gunner.
The 622 km, 355.6 mm diameter pipeline will connect Tennant Creek to Mt Isa, with the first supply of gas expected to come from existing offshore and land-based operations in the NT.