Santos drew much fire with its PNG move, which was made without local consultation and the actions of the SA major attracted scathing comments in the PNG Parliament and elsewhere for its high handed manner.

By meeting in the Territory, Santos will ensure it is seen as having regional community concerns in their planning from the highest levels of the company.

Santos Chairman, Stephen Gerlach, said the decision to hold the meeting in the Northern Territory reflected its importance as a key growth area for the Santos group.

"The Northern Territory has always been important for Santos and its significance is increasing every year," he said.