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Early last month, a representative of the Wakaya Aboriginal Land Trust formally lodged an objection to the Northern Territory government, claiming that the trust had not given consent to the land clearing for the proposed link between Tennant Creek to Mt Isa.
The traditional owners had called for the NT Development Consent Authority to knock back the proposed pipeline, even though it has already reached financial investment decision.
Earlier this month Jemena re-sequenced the pipeline, planning to start construction from the Queensland end rather than the NT end, to give it more time to deal with the traditional owners.
The decision to re-sequence led to Jemena letting go McConnell Dowell as the construction contractor for the NT section.
The pipeliner now says construction is scheduled to start mid-2017, and the project remains on track for first gas to flow in the second half of 2018.
Having secured federal and Queensland environmental approvals for the NGP, it is now just waiting on one from the NT's new Gunner government.
NGP project director Jonathan Spink said the deal was a critical and positive step toward delivering the pipeline.
"Jemena is pleased to have reached a positive outcome with the Wakaya People and other traditional owner groups in the Territory and Queensland," he said.
"We are also grateful for the hard work and efforts of the Northern Land Council and Central Land Council. It was an extremely tough consultation process given the vast physical distance needed to be covered to ensure agreement by all parties."
Senior Wakaya elder Tony Willy reflected positively on the discussion and negotiation process with Jemena, particularly with the employment opportunities that will flow to his people.
"I am pleased to reach agreement with Jemena for the NGP," he said.
"The jobs and contracts for my people will lay a strong foundation for their future. Jemena has worked well with us to understand our needs and hopes and we look forward to working together in the future."
As part of the agreement, Jemena will work with the Wakaya people to ensure they benefit from the NGP's $6 million Jobs and Training Package alongside all Traditional Owners on the pipeline route.
The package will be delivered by local providers including Group Training Northern Territory, Myuma Group and Remote Concrete NT.
Spink said the package was just one element of the NGP's commitment to providing training, employment and contracts for business in the region.
The NGP expects to employ about 600 people across the Tennant Creek and Mount Isa regions.
On track
Spink said Jemena's decision in early March to re-sequence the NGP construction schedule played a key role in reaching Friday's agreement.
"The decision to re-sequence the NGP provided additional time to work closely with the Wakaya People, it also provided us with an opportunity to review other elements of the NGP project," Spink said.
"Jemena will shortly look to appoint a construction partner for the Northern Territory portion of the project through a competitive tender process, with appointment of a Queensland contractor expected in the next couple of months."
The former Adam Giles-led Country Liberal Party government chose Jemena to build and operate the 622km NGP, which will connect the NT's gas fields with the east-coast gas market at Mount Isa in Queensland, in late 2015.
