Today’s announcement that NT Gas will be piped from Tennant Creek through to Mount Isa could become the catalyst for commencing the next phase to develop the North West Queensland Minerals Province as it will create security of supply and hopefully cheaper energy for existing as well as new industry.
MITEZ President, Mr David Glasson said the long-awaited announcement will be a significant boost to confidence for the long term future for the region.
“Soon after the proposed pipeline concept was announced, industry leaders in both centres formed the Tennant Creek to Mount Isa Cross Border Alliance to highlight the benefits of the Mount Isa route which was communicated to State and Commonwealth Governments” said Mr Glasson.
The project was coordinated by the NT government with the Queensland Government supporting the Mount Isa route. This involved a process of community consultation, stakeholder engagement, evaluation of local industry capability to provide clear information to help decide the best option available. Mount Isa City Council, MITEZ and local industry leaders played an important role as part of this process said Mr Glasson.
MITEZ congratulates the successful proponent, Jemena on their winning tender and understands they would soon be mobilising to commence construction of the $1B project which should provide a number of opportunities for businesses and creating new employment opportunities in the North West.