The Hon. Gerard Maley, Minister for Mining and Energy (NT), Media Release, 18 February 2026

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is further boosting economic growth in the Territory through a new acreage release for onshore petroleum exploration.

The acreage is approximately 4,000 sqkm, more than five times the size of Singapore, and is strategically located near the Amadeus Gas Pipeline and the Stuart Highway within the highly prospective Beetaloo Sub-basin, one of Australia’s most significant onshore shale gas plays.

The announcement is being made this week to industry representatives at the North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Houston, Texas, held on 18–20 February 2026.

NAPE is the premier marketplace for the upstream energy sector, where companies buy, sell and trade tenure and producing assets.

The event attracts more than 8,000 senior decision-makers, investors, service providers and technology leaders from across the international energy industry.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said a high-level delegation from the Department of Mining and Energy would attend NAPE to promote the Beetaloo Sub-basin and the new acreage release, and engage directly with major oil and gas companies identified as potential future investors and operators.

“The Beetaloo has been recognised as the next big global shale play, and it is critical the Territory is seen and heard in an increasingly competitive international investment environment,” Mr Maley said.

“Texas is the leader of global shale gas development and home to the world’s most mature shale gas operations, advanced expertise and investor networks, so it is critical we are there promoting the release of this new acreage.”

The new acreage, EPNT26-1, will allow for a competitive bidding process under the Petroleum Act 1984.

The release area is surrounded by high quality shale gas acreage held by Tamboran Resources, Daly Waters Energy, Beetaloo Energy Australia and Santos, with the adjacent acreage EP98 expected to produce the first Beetaloo Gas for NT use from mid 2026.

“This release will unlock a strategically important gas resource, supporting domestic energy security, creating local jobs, and driving economic growth across the Barkly region,” Mr Maley said.

“This is about backing investment, backing industry and backing Territory jobs as part of our year of growth, certainty and security.”

Applications and submissions are now invited over the 50 full and part blocks, with the application period closing at 4pm ACST on Friday, 31 July 2026.

More information, including the full geoscience data package, application form and guideline, is available on the Department of Mining and Energy’s website.