NT voters emphatically backed Territory’s onshore gas industry, says Northern Australia minister

NT VOTERS have emphatically backed the Territory’s onshore gas industry and resoundingly rejected Territory Alliance and its hard line anti-fracking stance, the Federal Minister for Northern Australia says

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VOTERS have emphatically backed the Territory’s onshore gas industry Federal Resources, Water and Northern Australia Minister Keith Pitt says.

Mr Pitt said it was encouraging to see Territory voters resoundingly reject the Territory Alliance and its hard line anti-fracking stance.

The finger of blame for the party’s disastrous Territory election result has been pointed at those who made the decision to switch to a ban fracking stance.

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“Territorians recognise how important the gas industry is when it comes to providing more local jobs and providing new economic opportunities,” Mr Pitt said.

“Development of gas reserves in the Beetaloo Basin has the potential to generate billions of dollars for the Territory economy and over 6000 jobs at a time when the region needs to make the most of every opportunity it gets to create jobs and attract investment.

“The potential of the resources industry in the Territory is immense and will play an important role in the local and national recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Pitt said.

The NT director of the peak body representing the gas industry, Keld Knudsen said the NT 2020 Election has delivered a clear message about jobs and the economy.

“While two minor parties threatened to ban hydraulic fracturing and onshore gas development if elected, the vast majority of Territorians have voted to support the science, evidence and benefits of a well regulated industry, and the opportunities that brings.,” Mr Knudsen said.

“It is clear the community has voted with parties that have supported the onshore gas industry, and we expect those policies to be reflected in whatever Government is formed.

“We look forward to working with the Government, all members of parliament and community to get back on the ground and realise the opportunities of developing the Territory’s natural resources.

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CLP Senator for the Northern Territory Sam McMahon said the Territory Alliance agenda would have been devastating for the Northern Territory.

“The CLP was the only party that went in to the election with a clear, positive plan to make more of the Territory’s abundant natural resources and that has clearly resounded with voter,” Senator McMahon said.