Gas lobby silent on some fracking recommendations

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2527 fracking rig OKBy ERWIN CHLANDA
 
“Some of these recommendations go beyond the terms of reference to matters of national policy and would be impossible for the NT Government to implement, as the report itself acknowledges.”
 
This cryptic comment came from the gas and petroleum lobby in response the the NT fracking inquiry’s final report.
 
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) spokesman Matthew Doman deferred a reply when asked by the Alice Springs News Online: “Which recommendations (if any) cannot be followed?”
 
While saying the report’s 135 recommendations “will need to be considered carefully” he urges the NT Government to make “a prompt decision to give certainty to investors, local businesses, traditional owners, landholders and all Territorians.
 
Mr Doman said in a media release: “This document confirms the conclusion of the draft report that any risks associated with onshore gas development and hydraulic fracturing can be managed by effective regulation.
 
“The final report confirms that developing the Territory’s natural gas resources would have significant economic and employment benefits for the NT.
 
“It has debunked many of the myths spread by activists opposed to onshore gas development,” said Mr Doman.
 
“The report echoes the conclusion reached by numerous other scientific inquiries and reviews that any risks associated with hydraulic fracturing can be minimised or eliminated with proper regulation.
 
“APPEA’s member companies stand ready to invest billions of dollars in new projects in the Territory if the industry is allowed to resume exploration activity.
 
“There is no reason the Territory cannot manage the safe, sustainable development of its considerable natural gas resources.”
 
 
 

6 COMMENTS

  1. The report has in no way debunked public concerns or “myths” as the industry would have us believe. On the contrary, it has comprehensively outlined a huge range of risks of significant consequence and probability.
    This includes climate change risks, groundwater contamination and ecosystems.
    The fact that the industry is already pushing back confirms again what the report acknowledged, which is that there is no confidence in the current regulatory system.
    If there is money to be made, shortcuts will be sought, at the expense of the environment and people.

  2. I agree with the comment for “a prompt decision to give certainty to … all Territorians”. The people who live here need to know that our water supply and environment is safe. This should take priority over all other considerations.

  3. There is every reason to believe that the Territory cannot manage the safe, sustainable development of its considerable natural gas resources.

  4. So you have money to invest in the NT: “APPEA’s member companies stand ready to invest billions of dollars in new projects in the Territory if the industry is allowed to resume exploration activity.” Good news. Invest it in renewable energy.

  5. Yes, the easiest place in the world to invest is at the expense of others. The NT has demonstrated it cannot manage a safe sustainable industry – remember Montara blowout.

  6. There is no such thing as safe fracking and there are surely many other, much more sustainable options available!
    Please go and watch the very impressive “Water is Life” documentary from Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network.

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