Just as previous scientific reports, including the Hawke Report in 2014 found, the Scientific Inquiry’s final draft report has shown onshore gas exploration and extraction to be safe, provided best-practice regulation is in place.

All Northern Territorians and future generations will enjoy the direct and indirect benefits of a safe, sustainable industry.

Best practice regulation is the cornerstone of ending this debate on hydraulic fracturing, and effective, all-encompassing regulation is absolutely paramount.

We cannot compromise our environment. The environmental concerns should be managed.

■ RELATED: FRACKING THE TERRITORY’S FRACTURED DEBATE

■ RELATED: FRACKING: WHAT LOCK THE GATE HAS TO SAY

■ RELATED: FRACKING: NORTHERN LAND COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE TALKS

■ RELATED: FRACKING: WHAT THE GAS INDUSTRY HAS TO SAY

The approach must be science and evidence-based, practical and cost-effective, protecting agricultural, water and biodiversity values of the land. As Justice Pepper recognises in her draft report, “…if the recommendations made in this draft report are adopted and implemented in full, those risks may be mitigated or reduced — in many cases eliminated altogether — to acceptable levels having regard to the totality of the evidence.”

The government should be commencing work on regulation now to ensure we maximise all opportunities. Onshore gas will provide a long-term economic future of our own, but the ball is now in the government’s court.

The Chief Minister must show leadership.

The Territory and investors are awaiting his and his government’s next move.

Now is the time to make a decision independent of third party influence and scaremongering.

We need to send a clear message to industry, welcoming their investment and delivering certainty in doing so.

The Opposition will work with the Gunner government to ensure that the exploration activity can commence in the upcoming dry season. It’s time to kick start the process — we cannot afford not to.