ABC: Northern Territory Government Says Unconventional Gas is Worth the Risk

New government guidelines for Northern Territory onshore gas operators have just been released with subsequent legislation expected later this year.

The Northern Territory Government continues to back development of the onshore unconventional gas industry because of potential economic benefits.

Modelling by gas lobby group the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA), indicates untapped NT gas reserves could add billions of dollars to the Territory economy, over the next 25 years.

But some say the touted benefits may be overblown and that concern about hydraulic fracturing contaminating underground water continues to be overlooked. MORE