Northern Australia oil and gas: a new engine for Australia's prosperity?

Abstract

The region of Australia comprising the area of the NT and northwest Queensland has significant conventional and shale resources that can see it emerge as the next major global oil and gas hub. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in the Asia-Pacific region, the natural gas production-consumption shortfall is expected to grow from 99.8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2012 to 251.7 mtpa in 2025 (IEA, 2014). Australia is well-positioned to cater to this growing demand, and is set to become the world’s largest LNG exporter by 2020. The northern Australia region can help to meet this growing global demand and also serve domestic east coast demand. Development of these resources would significantly accelerate the regional and national economy, but success will depend on doing it at a cost that is competitive with new sources of hydrocarbons from around the world. This extended abstract outlines the natural advantages and challenges being faced by operators seeking to develop this region of northern Australia. Drawing on insights from global experiences, it identifies the key success factors and challenges faced in different regions during their development and commercialisation. It provides guidance and recommendations for maximising the development potential in northern Australia including: new ways of working; industry collaboration including sharing of infrastructure and data; service provider development; commercial partnerships; better access to capital; and, government support in tenure reform, incentives, tax benefits, capability development and investments in infrastructure.