What is the project?
Inpex is a large Japanese gas company and in conjunction with French company Total they are planning to build an LNG plant to process gas from the Ichthys field off the coast of Western Australia.
The $12 billion plant was originally planned to be located in Western Australia. However, the Northern Territory Government has been pushing the case for the plant to come to Darwin and Inpex is now considering Darwin versus Western Australia.
The Northern Territory Government strongly supports the project and is doing all it can to provide the certainty needed to attract this multi-billion dollar plant to Darwin.
In coming months Inpex will decide which location is their preferred destination. A final decision will be made in late 2009.
If Darwin is chosen, the plant will be located at Middle Arm just east of the existing Conoco Phillips LNG plant.
What would it mean for the NT?
If Darwin is chosen instead of Western Australia the Territory will benefit for decades.
This project and its flow on effects will contribute over $50 billion to the Territory economy over the next 20 years.
The benefits will flow through to small businesses and Territory families.
It is estimated that 4000 jobs will be created and the project will help the Territory grow.
There will be more international and domestic flights into Darwin, more accommodation and a boost to tourism.
The Inpex gas plant would be the single largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the Territory.
What is the Government doing to win the project for Darwin?
Chief Minister Paul Henderson has met with senior executives from the companies in Tokyo and Paris to provide a clear message that the Territory is “open for business”.
Without wholehearted support from Government, this project will
not proceed in Darwin.
The Chief Minister made detailed presentations to senior executives of both companies on Darwin and the Northern Territory and the advantages of basing their plant here.
Senior executives from Inpex and Total have also traveled to Darwin to see first hand what we have to offer.
How will the environment be protected?
Before the project could proceed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study must be undertaken. Rigorous Northern Territory and Commonwealth legislation and requirements must be satisfied before the plant could be approved.
LNG is a non-polluting industry and Darwin harbour and recreational fishing will be protected.
Gas is a clean source of energy and using it to replace other polluting energy sources helps tackle climate change.
We can have both a world class gas project and protect the environment at the same time.
Why is Darwin a better option than WA?
Darwin is gas ready with an LNG plant already operating at Middle Arm. As a capital city we have a range of benefits that do not exist in remote Western Australia. Darwin has an international airport, accommodation and port, rail and road infrastructure.
We also have a business community ready and able to provide goods and services to support the project.
Western Australia has the obvious advantage of being closer to the gas field.
Despite starting from well behind the Territory Government is doing everything it can to win the project for Darwin.
Where to from here?
Inpex is undertaking detailed studies to determine its preferred location for the plant – Darwin or Western Australia.
The Government continues to work with Inpex to provide project certainty and information about the advantages of locating in Darwin.
Fast Facts
Inpex Gas Project
If Darwin is chosen over WA -