Fracking Beetaloo ‘no risk to water table, coronavirus safe’, Origin chairman tells AGM

Origin Energy has defended its plans to frack the Beetaloo Basin from accusations it could pollute remote communities’ water supplies and put them at risk from coronavirus.

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ORIGIN Energy has defended its plans to frack the Beetaloo Basin from accusations it could pollute remote communities’ water supplies and put them at risk from coronavirus.

Speaking at the company’s AGM on Tuesday, chairman Gordon Cairns said Origin was “assiduous about water management” and there was “no evidence that fracking actually in any way pollutes the water table”.

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In taking questions from shareholders, Mr Cairns also rejected concerns it had recommenced bringing FIFO workers into the NT after having earlier suspended the practice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We obviously take our responsibilities very seriously here and we paused our activity to keep communities safe,” he said.

“We have resumed in line with government restrictions being eased and we will continue to take the health and safety of employees and our communities as the number one priority.”

Naomi Wilfred, a Native Title holder of Alawa land she said was impacted by Origin’s operations, said traditional owners were angry their opposition to the project had been ignored.

“Alawa people care a lot about our land because of our songlines, our sites and our future — our land is so important to us, especially water,” she said.

“Origin has not tried to seek consent for fracking from the traditional owners, and we will never give it.”

But Mr Cairns said the company only recognised the TOs nominated by the Northern Land Council, who were supportive of their operations.

“It was a privilege to host those Native Title holders on site last month during fracking operations, they were able to inspect the equipment and talk with our specialists about how the process is safely undertaken," he said.

“They actually want us to come because they can see the economic benefits that will accrue to them as a result of us being on the land.

“We also have committed to them that their land and water will be protected.”

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The NLC was contacted for comment.

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