Lynham targets TopEnd gas project for Qld

State Development Minister Anthony Lynham has hit the TopEnd on a sales drive to win a billion-dollar-plus gas pipeline project for Queensland.

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 be worth a total of $1.35 billion if the project includes a gas processing facility. Those are jobs we want for the North.

“My departmental staff have already been 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 advantages.

[ENDS]                       22 October, 2015

Media contact:           Jan Martin       3719 7370       0439 341 314