The NT Government has signed a deal with US gas company Empire Energy to buy fracked gas from the Beetaloo Basin from a proposed expanded drilling project which is yet to receive Ministerial approval.
The Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation, which represents Traditional Owners from the Beetaloo Basin region, has made a submission opposing Empire's Environmental Management Plan which is now before the Minister, noting concerns about inadequate consultation and risks to country and water.
Chair of Nurrdalinji, Djingili Elder Samuel Janama Sandy said he opposed the deal.
"The Territory Government and Empire have made a deal under the table, when they don't even have Traditional Owners' agreement to drill and sell the gas and when their expansion plans haven't been approved," he said.
WATCH: Traditional Owners from across 20,000 square kilometres of the Northern Territory have travelled to Canberra to present politicians with a 13-metre hand-painted cultural songlines map to ask for protection of the Roper River from threats posed by new water-intensive industries in the catchment.
"Empire can't be trusted. From the ... wells they've drilled there's already been problems. "Empire and the Government should not be pushing on where there's no consent to sell the gas. But they're moving ahead, ignoring Traditional Owners' fears for country and water from drilling more gas wells.
"Meanwhile the NT Government said the new deal would continue to support "the industries that get the Territory working".
Chief Minister Eva Lawler said the gas deal with Empire was yet another example of it."
These gas agreements will contribute to a broad gas portfolio that diversifies and secures supply while also supporting the development of the Beetaloo," she said.
"My common sense plan will make sure the Northern Territory continues to have secure and more affordable power for years to come.
"The gas sales agreement between the Territory Government and Empire Energy will provide competitively priced gas for the Territory's electricity generation for years to come.
Empire Energy, which is expecting first gas from its Carpentaria Pilot Project in the Beetaloo Basin will supply gas to the Northern Territory from mid next year until 2035, with an opportunity to extend to 2040. Empire Energy Managing Director, Alex Underwood, said
Empire had been actively pursuing production from the Beetaloo Basin since 2011, with support from the NT Government for this objective since 2018."Subject to final approvals, we anticipate being the first company to provide gas supply from the Beetaloo, commencing next year," he said.
"This agreement comes at a critical time for the energy security of the NT."
It demonstrates our commitment to providing energy for Territorians and will facilitate hundreds of millions of dollars of investment into the NT economy.
The project will provide local jobs, support NT businesses, and create direct revenue streams for traditional owners and the NT Government."
"We look forward to working with traditional owners, local communities and all Territorians to deliver this exciting project."
Empire Energy is working towards Final Investment Decision for the project by the end of this year.
The Carpentaria Pilot Project is targeting 25 Terajoules of gas per day, initially scaling the production in line with long term targets.
Empire Energy will continue to progress its environmental approvals for the project.
Developing the Beetaloo Basin and boosting the NT's on-shore gas industry is set to create thousands of work opportunities for Territorians and boost the economy by $17 billion.
Minister for Mining Mark Monaghan said theGovernment was backing the Territory's energy supply "well into the future".
"Investors are starting to make more and more moves within the Beetaloo - which supports local businesses and working opportunities," he said.