Business news from across the Northern Territory: Latest highlights include a pioneering exploration permit secured by Top End Energy, a local Territory business awarded a $1.4 million construction project at Richardson Park, and Sitzler set to build the National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs. Also making resource news, is Tivan being given exploration grants by the NT Government.

Economy

Pioneering exploration permit secured by Top End Energy

Top End Energy has been given an exploration permit by the NT Government, allowing it to conduct surveys, seismic acquisition, and geochemical testing to confirm the existence of valuable shale and sandstone formations, as well as hydrogen and helium prospects. Taking its place alongside Santos, Tamboran and Empire Energy in the MacArthur Basin, the company is the newest entrant to the gas-rich region.

Unlocked gas will supply both the Territory and East Coast markets, according to company managing director Oliver Oxenbridge. The company also holds interests in the Amadeus and Adavale Basins. The permit is the 38th petroleum exploration permit handed out in the NT and the first since 2015.

The NT Government estimates that the gas industry generates $630 million per year, of which $95 million is captured by Territory businesses.

Jaytex awarded a $1.4m construction project at Richardson Park

Jaytex Constructions has been awarded a $1.4m construction tender to enhance facilities for the next stage of the Richardson Park upgrade project. Construction works include the construction of ablution facilities, change rooms, storage and undercover areas including exercise and playground equipment. Following the opening of Richardson Drive access to Ludmilla School in April, this represents the next milestone in the $7.1m investment to revitalise the ground.

In 2022, asbestos was found at the 550 sqm site, delaying the project by up to a year. Territory rugby league used to play at the park and the community fought to keep it open before it was demolished in 2020.

Sitzler to build an Aboriginal art gallery in Alice Springs

Territory-based Sitzler will build the National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs after being awarded the contract tender by the NT Government. Works are set to begin on the gallery named the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in the coming weeks. The gallery is set to be built on Anzac Oval and scheduled to be finished in 2027.

“Sitzler will maximise Alice Springs and Territory business participation in the construction of the facility, creating something that we, and our children, can all be proud of,” Sitzler director Michael Sitzler, who is an Alice Springs local, said.

Resources

Tivan given exploration grants by the NT Government

Tivan Limited has been awarded exploration grant funding for two applications for the Sandover Project (100 km north of Alice Springs) under Round 17 of the NT Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations (GDC) program—funded through the NT Government’s Resourcing the Territory initiative. The company was awarded $80,000 (inclusive of GST) towards co-funding a diamond drilling hole planned for the Aileron Prospect, and another $49,000 (inclusive of GST) towards co-investing in a geophysics program planned for the Aileron Prospect.

Tivan and its exploration partner EARTH AI have made new high-grade silver and high-grade lead discoveries at Aileron Station at Sandover via surface rock sampling programs. The company has also upgraded the Sandover Project to a strategic priority.