A defining moment for Territory energy security, jobs and regional growth
Territory homes, businesses and industry are being powered by Beetaloo Sub-basin gas for the first time, as Tamboran Resources’ Shenandoah South project delivers first gas into the Northern Territory network.
More than 40 terajoules of gas a day will flow from the Shenandoah South development, around 60 kilometres south of Daly Waters, through the Sturt Plateau Pipeline and into the Territory’s gas network.
Long-term Beetaloo gas contracts will replace costly emergency gas arrangements, placing downward pressure on Territory energy prices and improving reliability.
The milestone marks the Beetaloo’s transition from more than a decade of exploration and appraisal into an operating resource.
The Beetaloo Sub-basin is a world-class gas resource, estimated to hold more than 430 trillion cubic feet of gas.
Jobs, investment and regional growth
Over the next 2 decades, development of the Beetaloo is forecast to generate more than $17 billion in cumulative economic value and support more than 13,000 jobs by 2040, through royalties, business growth, construction activity and long-term employment - benefits that build over time as production and investment continue.
That growth is already flowing to Territory businesses. Territory Sands has secured a $10.4 million investment from Beetaloo Energy Australia to build a local frac sand supply chain, while APA’s Sturt Plateau Pipeline and Compression Facility, backed by a Northern Territory Government loan guarantee, is now supplying the connecting infrastructure supporting first gas.
Government’s role in unlocking the resource
Today’s milestone follows sustained Government action to create the conditions for investment in the Beetaloo, including modernising petroleum legislation, streamlining retention licences, introducing contemporary tenure arrangements, delivering a new code of practice for well integrity and releasing around 4,000 square kilometres of prospective acreage. Government continues to plan the enabling infrastructure and services needed for future growth, including the Territory Energy Link corridor.
Development proceeds under strong regulation and evidence-based decision-making with independent oversight from the NT Environment Protection Authority and Commonwealth environmental regulators.
What’s next
Beetaloo Energy Australia is targeting first gas sales from its Carpentaria pilot project by the end of 2026. Santos is progressing 3 production wells at Beetaloo, while INPEX continues exploration and appraisal activity across the basin.
As production and infrastructure scale up, further opportunities for Territory businesses, regional employment and investment are expected to follow.
Quick facts
- Location: Beetaloo Sub-basin, approximately 500km south-east of Darwin
- First gas: 1 September 2026, Shenandoah South project (Tamboran Resources)
- Volume: 40+ terajoules a day into the Territory network
- Resource: 430+ trillion cubic feet of gas in place (basin-wide estimate)
- Forecast benefit: $17 billion+ in economic value and 13,000+ jobs by 2040