Northern Territory Announces New Beetaloo Basin Acreage Release

The 4,000 sq km acreage is more than five times the size of Singapore and aims to drive investment in the region's shale gas potential.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Northern Territory government has announced a new onshore petroleum acreage release in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, an area recognized as one of Australia's most significant shale gas plays. The 4,000 sq km release, which is more than five times the size of Singapore, will be promoted this week at the North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Houston, Texas, a major upstream energy investment event. The government says the release will support domestic energy security, regional economic development, and local jobs.

Why it matters

The Beetaloo Sub-basin has been identified as a key shale gas resource that could help meet Australia's future energy needs. This new acreage release is part of the Northern Territory government's efforts to drive investment and development in the region, which is seen as crucial for the territory's economic growth.

The details

The new acreage release, called EPNT26-1, will allow for a competitive bidding process under the Petroleum Act 1984. The release area is surrounded by existing high-quality shale gas acreage held by companies like Tamboran Resources, Daly Waters Energy, Beetaloo Energy Australia, and Santos. The adjacent acreage EP98 is expected to produce the first Beetaloo gas for Northern Territory use from mid-2026.

  • The new acreage release is being announced and promoted this week at the North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Houston, Texas, held on February 18-20, 2026.
  • The application period for the new acreage release will close at 4pm ACST on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The players

Finocchiaro CLP Government

The current government of the Northern Territory, led by Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, that is driving investment in the Beetaloo Sub-basin through this new acreage release.

Department of Mining and Energy

The Northern Territory government department that will send a high-level delegation to the NAPE event in Houston to promote the new Beetaloo acreage release and engage with potential investors.

Tamboran Resources

A company that holds existing high-quality shale gas acreage in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, adjacent to the new EPNT26-1 release area.

Daly Waters Energy

A company that holds existing high-quality shale gas acreage in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, adjacent to the new EPNT26-1 release area.

Beetaloo Energy Australia

A company that holds existing high-quality shale gas acreage in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, adjacent to the new EPNT26-1 release area.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Gerard Maley, Minister for Mining and Energy (Mirage News)

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

— Gerard Maley, Minister for Mining and Energy (Mirage News)

What’s next

The application period for the new EPNT26-1 acreage release in the Beetaloo Sub-basin will close at 4pm ACST on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The takeaway

The Northern Territory government's new Beetaloo Basin acreage release is a strategic move to attract investment and development in this significant shale gas play, which could help meet Australia's future energy needs and drive economic growth in the region.