PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Construction has started on the A$800-million Northern gas pipeline, in the Northern Territory, with Chief Minister Michael Gunner saying the project would create hundreds of jobs and underpin development in the region.
The 622-km pipeline will link Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory to Mount Isa, in Queensland, with first gas expected to flow in 2018.
Gunner said the pipeline was expected to create around 900 jobs, of which 600 could be filled by territorians. There will also be ongoing maintenance and operations teams based in Tennant Creek and Mount Isa.
“Today is a key milestone for Jemena’s pipeline, it’s an important day for a project that will deliver significant economic benefits to the territory and Australia.
“As well as the creation of around 600 local jobs, Jemena estimates there will be around 100 contracts with approximately half expected to go to territory businesses. Beyond construction there will also be an ongoing maintenance and operation presence in the region.
“The territory government is developing Tennant Creek as a mining services centre. Construction of the Northern gas pipeline will see increased opportunities for regional development through local involvement as well as increased opportunities for businesses and for training and skills development,” Gunner said.