State Development Minister Anthony Lynham has hit the Top End on a sales drive to win a billion-dollar-plus gas pipeline project for Queensland that would create jobs in Mount Isa and the north west.
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Dr Lynham met Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles and Treasurer, Minister for Lands and Planning, Minister for Mines and Energy Dave Tollner yesterday as the government prepares to make a call on the North East Gas Interconnector – a project to carry gas from the Northern Territory gas fields to eastern seaboard markets.
“The NT has two route options – Queensland or South Australia – and that’s why I’ve come to the NT to emphasise the advantages of taking the pipeline from Tennant Creek to Mount Isa,” Dr Lynham said.
“Two bidders - APA Group and SGSP (Australia) Assets Pty Ltd (Jemena) – are proposing to go through Queensland, and another two through South Australia.
“APA Group estimates that its proposal would create 350 - 450 construction jobs, and another $1.35 billion is the project includes a gas processing facility. Those are jobs we want for the North.
“My departmental staff have already been working with are working together with stakeholders, including the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone (MITEZ) and Tenant Creek Economic Development Committee (Northern Territory), to ensure local suppliers are ready to capitalise on any opportunities from the pipeline’s construction.
“The Queensland Coordinator-General has already granted the APA bid coordinated project status, facilitating their environmental impact statement process.
“This gives APA assistance and a streamlined pathway to negotiate government approvals if they win the bid.”
Dr Lynham said discussions with Mr Tollner were constructive and he was able to positively present Queensland’s case, particularly the cost advantage.
