Gas Industries
Darwin is located near significant discovered gas resources in the Timor Sea and the Northern Browse Basin. These areas also have the potential for further discoveries to underpin development. Additionally Darwin is located close to the significant Asian markets for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and gas manufactured products. Darwin has a skilled workforce, modern amenities, existing infrastructure, as well as a growing service and supply capability. These attributes make Darwin the ideal location for the onshore development of these gas resources.
The development of Darwin LNG at Wickham Point has positioned Darwin as Australia’s second gas export hub. More importantly, the piping of gas onshore to Darwin has opened new opportunities for industrial development. As an example a new helium plant is poised to be constructed at Wickham Point.
The Territory Government, to ensure this industrial growth, continues to fuel its growing economy through expansion to the existing LNG, the development of new LNG facilities and downstream gas-based manufacturing.
Policy, research and commercial efforts to grow Darwin’s gas industries
The Northern Territory Government is actively working at three levels to ensure the presence of gas in the Timor Sea brings tangible benefits to Darwin.
At a strategic level, the Northern Territory is lobbying the Australian Government and industry groups to ensure a conducive investment climate attractive for gas-based commercial investment in Australia.
The Northern Territory Government has established a strategic Task Force (the Onshore Gas Task Force) to realise the Government vision for the growth of gas industry in Darwin. Work undertaken to date includes the completion in 2007 of strategic research to identify the gas-based manufacturing opportunities appropriate for Darwin.
The Government is working alongside commercial industry proponents to help develop strong business cases for investment.
Proposals include
- INPEX to complete pre-feasibility for a possible Darwin facility by mid-2008.
- Establishment of the $33 million BOC helium plant, also at Wickham Point in 2009.
- Development of the Blacktip Gas Field and Bonaparte Gas Pipeline completed in time for first gas delivery to Darwin by the first quarter of 2009.
- Possible new LNG facility located on the Middle Arm Peninsula Industrial Estate by 2014.
- Significant expansion of the new Darwin LNG Plant at Wickham Point, trebling its capacity.
- Grow Small and Medium Enterprise capacity and capability to better support and service the industry.
- Middle Arm Peninsula Industrial Estate grows as a location additional LNG and gas based manufacture.
