The Territory has an important role to play in the future energy security of both Australia and our neighbours in Asia.

To help the Top End meet that role, Santos has ramped-up its investment in the Territory by extending the life of Darwin LNG for another 20 years or more, developing the Barossa offshore gas field and launching plans to transform Timor-Leste’s Bayu-Undan into a carbon capture and storage hub for Australia and Asia once petroleum production comes to an end. But it’s not just about what the Top End can do for the country and the region.

Unlocking the wealth of the Territory’s onshore and offshore gas resources is the key to driving real economic growth which in turn will create good jobs and local business opportunities, and generate government revenue for things like schools, hospitals, housing, community safety and security.

It’s the key to stronger, more secure, vibrant Territory communities, both for this generation and the next. Santos Managing Director and CEO Kevin Gallagher says: “We are investing just US$3.6 billion capital investment in the Barossa Gas Project, and we are building a workforce that is 100 per cent local to maximise the economic benefit on the ground here in the NT.

“We know the Territory desperately needs this activity. Investment in projects like Barossa provides flow-on benefits to the community through government revenue, skilled, well-paid, secure jobs, local business opportunities and regional development.

“What’s more, it allows us to invest in programs that help build stronger, more resilient communities. The Barossa Gas and Darwin LNG Life Extension projects will have real benefits for the Northern Territory, creating about 600 jobs throughout the construction phase and secure about 300 jobs for the next 20 years of production at the Darwin LNG facility.”

As part of its commitment to Top End communities, Santos is also delivering training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal Territorians that help bridge the gap between leaving school and the world of work for young people living in regions where Santos operates.

One of these important programs has been recognised for driving positive community outcomes at Australia’s top awards for innovative procurement and supply practices.

The program, a joint venture between Santos and KAEFER Integrated Services, took home the Best Initiative to Deliver Social Value Award at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards in Sydney earlier this year, recognising the significant social value and community benefits of the program.

The Santos-KAEFER program offers a new pathway to skilled, well-paying, secure jobs for Aboriginal Territorians. The inaugural intake in early 2024 achieved a great success rate, with nine Aboriginal cadets starting work at the Darwin LNG facility after completing their scaffolding traineeship.

A further nine trainees commenced the program in June in a range of roles, including as mechanical fitters and boilermakers, administration and accounting and bookkeeping, and they are now working their way to graduation and potential future roles at DLNG.

The employment pathway is one of a suite of apprenticeship and training programs that Santos supports to improve job accessibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I am extremely proud of our Santos-KAEFER Employment Program.

It is a genuine example of how Santos is taking real and practical action to help close the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage in the Northern Territory,” Mr Gallagher says.

“The successful program is one of a number that Santos is rolling out in the Territory in coming months and years aimed at maximising employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal Territorians.

“Our major projects, such as Barossa Gas and the DLNG Life Extension, will allow us to continue to develop and fund initiatives that will support local Territory communities for decades to come.”

The value of Santos’ training and employment programs shone through at the recent 2024 Darwin NAIDOC Awards, where Santos’ Administration Trainee Vanessa Williams took home Apprentice of the Year.

Ms Williams, a proud Aboriginal woman from the Tiwi Islands, first completed a Supply Chain Operations Traineeship at the Santos Darwin Supply Base through Programmed Training Services as a mature trainee. She is now completing her Cert III in Business Administration via a traineeship at Santos DLNG, showcasing her dedication to learning and the high regard in which she is held by everyone at Santos and Programmed Training Services.

Commenting on Ms Williams’ work at Santos, Mr Gallagher says: “Vanessa’s Supply Chain Operations Traineeship achievement and continued learning through her business traineeship is testament to her hard work and commitment to building a successful career.

“Vanessa’s journey serves as a shining example of how dedication, perseverance and a thirst for knowledge can open doors to life-changing opportunities. Everyone at Santos is extremely proud of Vanessa and I look forward to seeing her continue to thrive.”

Ms Williams says: “I have enjoyed every minute of my traineeships and I’ve gained valuable insights into the industry, honed my skills and cultivated a newfound confidence. My daughters have witnessed this transformation, learning the importance of perseverance and happiness in one’s work.

“Santos and Programmed Training Services have been incredible pillars of support throughout my journey.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel back to the Tiwi Islands with Santos and speak directly with community about how training can impact their lives positively. Seeing my family and friends’ children gain employment and traineeships in the oil and gas industry has been immensely rewarding, reinforcing my belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities for growth and success.”

The Barossa Gas Project is nearing 80 percent complete with first gas expected in the third quarter of 2025. The Floating Production, Storage and Offtake vessel – one of the largest ever built – is on track to head to Australia from a shipyard in Singapore early next year.

The $925 million Darwin Life Extension project is now 50 percent complete.

And Santos is on the cusp of creating an exciting potential new carbon capture and storage industry for Darwin and for Timor Leste. There is strong interest for carbon storage at the Bayu-Undan field with Korean and Japanese customers looking to capture their energy and industrial emissions, and ship CO2 to Australia and Timor-Leste for safe and permanent storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

Mr Gallagher says the company has been investing in the NT for decades and is committed to the Territory for the long haul. Santos’ investment in unlocking the wealth of the Territory’s gas resources also underpins the company’s investments in community partnerships and programs which are delivering real opportunities and building a better future for the next generation of Territorians.