Days after first gas flowed from the Beetaloo Sub-basin, the next stage of the region's development is already taking shape, with a major new pipeline proposal aimed at connecting Northern Territory gas with the east coast of Australia.

Queensland has announced it will streamline assessments and approvals for the major gas pipeline connecting Beetaloo gas from the NT. The state's assistant coordinator-general has declared the potential $3 billion Stage 2 North to East Australia pipeline a "Coordinated Project", paving the way for a whole-of-government planning and environmental assessment of its potential benefits and impacts.

The "Coordinated Project" declaration is made under Queensland's State Development and Public Works Organisation Act, the same framework used for major resource and infrastructure projects in the state. It brings the pipeline's environmental, social and economic assessment under a single coordinated process rather than multiple separate approvals, which is designed to reduce duplication for proponents while still requiring a rigorous impact assessment.

Pipeline Details and Capacity

Proposed by APA Group subsidiary APT Petroleum Pipelines, the project involves the construction and operation of an 899-kilometre pipeline running from the Queensland border to the South West Queensland Pipeline, approximately 90 kilometres east of Ballera.

The pipeline would form part of the broader 1,561-kilometre North to East Australia Pipeline, which is designed to transport natural gas from the Beetaloo Sub-basin to Queensland's gas network. Once operational, the project could transport up to 600 terajoules of gas per day, with peak capacity reaching 1,000 terajoules per day depending on production levels, demand and future market requirements. For context, the Australian Energy Market Operator has repeatedly warned in its gas outlooks that southern and eastern Australian gas supply is expected to tighten as legacy fields in the Bass Strait wind down, which has placed new supply sources and interconnecting infrastructure at the centre of national energy policy debates.

Jobs and Economic Boost for Queensland

Queensland's deputy premier and minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the project is expected to deliver a significant economic boost to regional Queensland, creating up to 800 construction jobs along with a number of ongoing operational roles. This is in addition to broader flow-on activity through construction, logistics, procurement, local business participation, and employment and training opportunities.

"This project will help power two big priorities for Queensland – deliver jobs and investment as well as affordable, reliable and sustainable power for Queenslanders," Mr Bleijie said.

"The coordinated project process ensures this multi-billion-dollar project will be subject to a rigorous assessment of its environmental, social and economic impacts, while allowing a whole-of-government approach to approvals."

The state's minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, said the declaration marked an important step towards delivering greater energy reliability and economic benefits for regional communities.

"This next stage of the North to East Australia Pipeline project has the potential to support regional jobs, strengthen domestic gas supply, improve energy reliability and enhance interstate connectivity," Minister Last said.

"Gas is critical to our state's energy mix and making sure we get it to where it is needed will help to power the industries that power regional economies.

"Our position has always been that more gas supply will ultimately deliver lower prices and we're focused on backing projects that deliver on this objective."

APA Group CEO and MD Adam Watson said the declaration is an important milestone for the project.

"This declaration is a significant step forward for the North to East Australia Pipeline and recognises the project's potential to strengthen energy security and deliver economic opportunities for regional Queensland," Mr Watson said.

SPCF Commissioning Underway

The Sturt Plateau Compression Facility Trust (SPCF Trust), a 50/50 joint venture between Tamboran (ASX: TBN) and Daly Waters Infrastructure, LP (DWI), has commenced gas commissioning of the SPCF with gas from wells on the Shenandoah South 2 pad.

Tamboran CEO Todd Abbott, speaking at a major gathering to celebrate gas flow from the company's Shenandoah project and the commissioning of the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility (SPCF), said gas will be sold to the NT government during commissioning.

"The Beetaloo Basin is well positioned to deliver future energy security for Australia and our trading partners across the Asia Pacific, whilst also delivering lasting job and economic opportunities for Territorians and NT government," Mr Abbott said.

"Gas from the Beetaloo will be available to address forecast supply shortfalls – powering homes, businesses and manufacturing industries across the East Coast."

National Project, National Benefits

The Beetaloo is estimated to have the potential to create 13,000 jobs, providing work opportunities for people in the regions and unlocking $17 billion in economic growth over 20 years.

"The Beetaloo isn't just a Territory project – it's a strategic national energy asset critical to delivering on the Commonwealth's Future Made in Australia Policy, by keeping the lights on and energy-intensive manufacturing industries moving. Beetaloo gas is lower in production cost than other Australian gas sources, and can power East Coast manufacturing, smelters and refineries for decades to come, keeping Australians employed.

"APA has been an early supporter and advocate for the potential of the Beetaloo Basin and is proud to have played a role through delivery of the SPP – the crucial first-stage link that today enables Beetaloo gas to flow to deliver energy security for the Northern Territory."

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said first gas from the Beetaloo to Darwin was a historic moment that would help secure energy supplies into the future for the Northern Territory and the Eastern States.

"This is an exciting moment for the Northern Territory and for Australia.

"The development of the Beetaloo Basin will contribute to local, national and regional energy security.

"Australia needs more gas, at a fair price, for Australian businesses and households."

The NT's chief minister said Beetaloo gas was a strategic asset in reinforcing the nation's energy security.

"At a time when we have seen the consequences of not investing in energy independence, the Territory is stepping up to become a reliable energy producer while ensuring Territorians benefit from the development of our world-class resources," the Chief Minister said.

As the Beetaloo moves from resource development into a broader infrastructure and energy story, the opportunity is also beginning to extend beyond the companies producing the gas. The next question is where else the economic benefits of the Beetaloo's development could flow. Key milestones ahead include the completion of the coordinated environmental assessment process in Queensland, a final investment decision on Stage 2 of the pipeline, and the scale-up of Beetaloo production beyond commissioning volumes.

The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. Viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.