Jemena has been forced to delay the start of construction of its $800 million Northern Gas Pipeline (NGP) to allow outstanding land access approvals to be finalised.

The company said today that due to the resequencing of the pipeline’s construction, it was also amending its arrangements with construction partner McConnell Dowell, and would be retendering aspects of the project.

Construction works on the project had been targeted to begin in April.

“Jemena remains fully committed to building and operating the Northern Gas Pipeline project, and is confident the outstanding approvals will be finalised over the coming weeks,” the company said in a written statement .

“The project remains on schedule for first gas to flow in 2018.”

For avoidance of doubt for the Tennant Creek and Mount Isa communities, Jemena expects to commence the Phillip Creek Compressor Station and Mount Isa Compressor Station in 2017 as planned, generating jobs and contracts for the region.

The Northern Gas Pipeline project will connect the gas fields in the Northern Territory with customers in the Eastern Gas Market.

It includes a 623km high pressure gas pipeline, two compressor stations and  mid-line facilities.

Details on work packages can be found at https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/3767/northern-gas-pipeline-construction-ngpc