Santos today opened its first Darwin shopfront in the central business district, offering the public a place to learn more about the company, our activities in the Territory and the benefits our projects bring for Territorians.
Our local community team will be on hand at the shopfront to answer any questions.
Santos CEO and Managing Director Kevin Gallagher said the shopfront gives Santos a prominent presence in Darwin’s CBD, reflecting our commitment to ongoing investment in the NT.
“We want to be a good corporate citizen and contribute positively to communities everywhere we operate. Our community team in Darwin is eager to welcome Territorians and visitors to the Territory,” Mr Gallagher said.
“It’s a place where people can learn more about us – what we do, job and business opportunities, how we protect the environment, our community programs and why gas is so important to maintain energy affordability and reliability as we transition to a lower-carbon future. We also want to listen and learn from the community – what we can do better or areas where we can play a role in supporting community endeavours.
“Santos is entering an exciting chapter in the Northern Territory as we build and bring into operation the Barossa Gas Project and Darwin LNG Life Extension. Darwin will also be an important hub for our proposed Bayu-Undan carbon capture and storage project. The Territory could be front and centre of an exciting new industry helping to decarbonise both the Australian and Asian economies.
“These projects, along with Santos’ unwavering commitment to the NT, will continue to provide significant economic and social benefits to the local community.”
The contemporary space includes a separate meeting room for local stakeholders and partners where community presentations, meetings and information sessions can be hosted.
NT Property Council CEO Ruth Palmer said the new shopfront is a welcome addition to Smith Street Mall, helping to create a more vibrant CBD for locals and visitors.
“It is encouraging to see business breathing life back into the Darwin CBD. We have long argued that the decentralisation of departments and businesses out of the city has a negative impact on the retailers and hospitality outlets, especially during the wet season,” Ms Palmer said.
“According to our most recent report on the office market, vacancy rates are once again on the rise and the available supply is at alarmingly high levels. We have an excessive supply and minimal demand.
“We must make sure that the CBD continues to serve as the hub of the Top End and that we encourage businesses to open up in the mall, as this not only fills vacant spaces but also helps the town’s long-standing businesses.
“Hopefully, more corporations like Santos will move into available space and revitalise older stock during 2024.”
The Santos-operated DLNG employs about 180 local Territorians and spends about $100 million on local goods and service opportunities each year. Over the next 18 months, a A$925 million life extension program will be carried out, generating 300 construction and maintenance jobs.
When the Barossa project starts, another 300 new, permanent operations jobs will be created for the next 20 years or more.
The Santos Darwin Shopfront is at 41 The Mall and will be open Monday to Thursday between 9am – 4pm.
