The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed the decision of the Inpex-operated Ichthys Joint Venture to move forward with its proposed LNG plant in Darwin.
Minister Ferguson said: "The Australian Government is pleased Inpex has taken the decision today on a site in Darwin for its proposed LNG plant utilising gas from the Icthys gas field in Western Australia.
"This is a new era in our relationship with our friends in Japan, who have been with us from the very beginnings of the LNG industry in Australia 25 years ago.
"This LNG plant will bring significant benefits to the people of Darwin in the form of jobs and business opportunities in the lucrative resources sector and I hope this project will be one of many established over the next few years, as we continue to unlock the wealth from Australia's immense gas and energy resources.
"I know the decision will be disappointing for Western Australia however I am confident that state will still reap substantial benefits from this development, including production facilities offshore in the Browse Basin.
"What is important to me is that Australia gets more LNG projects built - regardless of their location - for the benefit of all Australians.
"Today's announcement confirms Australia is an attractive place to invest and a world class gas province.
"This investment also confirms Australia can play an important role in providing our region with a secure, reliable and clean energy supply."
To be developed off the coast of Western Australia by Japan's Inpex Corporation in partnership with the French oil major, Total, the Ichthys field is estimated to have almost 13 trillion feet of gas and more than 500 million barrels of condensate.
Minister Ferguson said: "The project is expected to produce between eight and nine million tons of LNG per year and the reserves are sufficient to support a major LNG export project for decades to come."