SA and NT to discuss “visionary” pipeline
A “visionary” proposal to build a gas pipeline from Alice Springs to Moomba will be the main subject of talks today between Premier Jay Weatherill and Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles.
Giles revealed his proposal for an 832 km pipeline last week.
Speaking at the opening of a major energy conference in Adelaide today, Giles said the project would open up new markets and investment in gas projects.
“One of the key strategies for economic growth is to open up rural and regional areas,” Giles told the 2013 Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
“Onshore gas is set to become a game changer.
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“We are examining the options for gas pipelines from three locations: Alice Springs to Moomba, Tennant Creek to Mount Isa and Wauchope to Longreach.
“I am meeting later today with Jay Weatherill to further our discussions on the Alice Springs option.”
Giles said the project could capitalise on the opportunities provided by New South Wales energy shortages.
New South Wales was linked to supply from Moomba in the early 1970s.
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Giles and Weatherill may not remember, but then-SANTOS managing director A J Knights, proposed an Alice to Moomba extension around 40 years ago.
Former federal resources minister Martin Ferguson said there should be no direct government investment in the pipeline.
“(Whitlam government minister) Rex Connor talked about this in 1973, so it’s not new,” Ferguson said.
“These types of projects have to be commercial.
“If the demand is there, then the private investment will follow.”
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