The Coalition Northern Territory government has dismissed the idea of a gas reservation policy, claiming that it would make the territory less attractive to investors.
In a statement yesterday, chief minister Adam Giles ruled out a set-aside policy covering gas extraction, similar to WA' spolicy, saying that it would stifle business.
“We will not be imposing a blanket gas reservation policy on the industry,” he said.
Giles cited the February decision by his government (then headed by Terry Mills) to assist Pacific Aluminium’s Gove refinery, which is a major employer in the territory, secure part of the government’s gas supply, which is provided by ENI.
“With gas to Gove and the potential to tap in to the national pipeline network, we are confident that investors will choose to do business in the Territory,” he said.