NT government should be ‘very concerned’ about Beetaloo fracking probe, says Environment Centre NT boss

The Gunner Government should be ‘very concerned’ about what could come to light from a newly-established parliamentary inquiry into fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, according to a leading Territory environmental advocate.

• Senate votes to probe Beetaloo Basin fracking

THE Gunner Government should be “very concerned” about what could come to light from a newly-established parliamentary inquiry into fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, according to a leading Territory environmental advocate.

The proposal to establish an inquiry was passed in the federal senate on Wednesday evening with the Greens being supported by Labor and the entire crossbench, including Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

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NT Environment Centre co-director Kirsty Howey welcomed the news, describing it as “quite and extraordinary win for the Traditional Owners from Borroloola.”

She said the inquiry is set to shine a light on the actions of the federal and Territory governments to push forward exploration projects in the Beetaloo.

“We have been on the record as extremely concerned about the Federal Government cash splash on the Beetaloo and what might be in the pipeline,” Ms Howey said.

“If I was the NT Government, I would be very concerned about the level of scrutiny that (the inquiry) is now going to place on how the NT Government is pushing forward (fracking projects).”

Environment Centre NT co-director Dr Kirsty Howey.

Ms Howey said the inquiry would also bring to light “the details of the relationship between the Gunner and the Federal Governments.”

Protect Country Alliance spokesman Graeme Sawyer also welcomed the inquiry, saying he expects it “to confirm the concerns we have long raised – that using public money to prop up the polluting oil and gas industry only benefits those who run these diabolical companies.”

When asked for comment, Environment Minister Eva Lawler said the inquiry was focused on the Federal rather than the Territory Government. “The inquiry into oil and gas exploration and production in the Beetaloo Basin relates to federal funding and doesn’t impact on the important work we are doing to protect the environment,” she said.

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