Australian State of Northern Territory Gives Go Ahead to Fracking

Australian state of Northern Territory has released a report that says hydraulic fracking can take place safely in the state.

The Hawke report into hydraulic fracturing has been tabled in parliament and the public will now have an opportunity to provide feedback on its findings, the government said in a statement Thursday.

“The key finding is that fracking can take place safely in the Northern Territory, provided the appropriate regulatory and monitoring regime is in place to allay community concern,” Minister for Mines and Energy Dave Tollner said.

The inquiry aimed to separate the actual environmental risks from the perceived risks and clear up some of the claims about fracking that have caused significant public concern, the minister added.

“The Territory Government sees onshore gas exploration as providing significant economic benefits but we also recognise that Territorians will not accept trade-offs when it comes to the environment and protecting our treasured lifestyle,” Tollner said.

The government now wants to work with Territorians in developing the best possible regulatory regime that is in line with community expectations.

Tonner has asked Dr Allan Hawke to stay on to lead a review of the regulatory regime, engaging with the community and key stakeholders to develop a best practice framework.

“In the meantime, we are confident that with only 24 wells due to be drilled in the Territory this year, onshore exploration activity can be safely managed through existing legislation in conjunction with a new set of guiding principles. These guiding principles clearly set out how the industry should conduct itself for all onshore oil and gas exploration in the Territory,” Tollner said.

The public will now have an opportunity to provide feedback on the report's findings.