‘Frack focused’ Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission report raises eyebrows

AN environmental advocacy group has slammed the NT Government for adopting all recommendations from the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s interim report, fearing it will cause further damage to the environment

Some of the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s key players: Andrew Liveris, Michael Gunner and Paul Henderson.

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AN Alice Springs environmental advocacy group has slammed the NT Government for adopting all recommendations from the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s (TERC) interim report, fearing it will cause further damage to the environment.

Protect Country Alliance spokesman Graeme Sawyer expressed concern with the report making reference to “liquids” that could be tapped in the Beetaloo Basin.

“We know that for many of these fracking companies, oil and gas liquids are part of their plan, and this report further proves it,” Mr Sawyer said.

The TERC, led by co-chairmen Andrew Liveris and Paul Henderson, released its interim report on Monday, outlining 15 recommendations on how to help the NT economy grow in the medium term.

This includes a focus on energy via renewables and gas, resources, agribusiness, water, infrastructure, tourism, digital industry and regulatory and administrative reform as broad subjects.

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Protect Country Alliance spokesman Graeme Sawyer. Picture: Justin Kennedy

Mr Sawyer said the Pepper Inquiry into fracking never looked into the extraction and transport risks for liquids from the Beetaloo.

“To see the Gunner Government pushing ahead with plans for a gas-led economy is also especially ironic as it coincides with the release of the scathing Samuels Report into the failings of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which found Australia’s environment was getting worse under the laws designed to protect it,” he said.

“This all makes it even more alarming given Mr Gunner wants to do away with due process and important checks and balances to ‘fast track’ assessment processes.”

In terms of renewables, the report says the “fast-growing sector” has considerable potential for further significant growth in the Territory and investment in enabling infrastructure is required to achieve that potential.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said on Monday that the NT was in a good position to bounce-back from the crisis as the “safest place in Australia.”

“The Commission wants the NT to be the easiest place in Australia to do business and I agree. I have accepted all of their recommendations and the work on them starts right now,” he said.

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Commission co-chairman Andrew Liveris said the recommendations were about attracting private investment to boost the economy.

“This First Report is a road map to making the Territory the easiest place in the country to do business and leverages the Territory’s strategic and natural advantages,” he said.

The commission’s final report is due to be handed down in November.

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