What you want v What the major parties want > Today’s issue: Fracking in the NT
WHAT you, the voter, wants v What the major parties want. Today’s issue: FRACKING. Find out what the parties’ stances are on fracking in the NT, and then tell us what you think. VOTE IN OUR POLL >>
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THE NT election this week is shaping up to be one of the tightest races on record.
The NT News online site, ntnews.com.au, is asking each of the major parties — Labor, the CLP and Territory Alliance — where they stand on one particular issue, one that Territorians have had strong opinions on in the past, each day until the election.
What you want v What the major parties want > The issue: Open speed limits
What you want v What the major parties want > The issue: The BDR
What you want v What the major parties want > The issue: Reinstating NT euthanasia laws
What you want v What the major parties want > The issue: Legalising cannabis in the NT
What you want v What the major parties want > The issue: Climate change
We are also asking you, our readers, the same questions so that you can voice your own opinion on the matter in our online poll to gauge how the parties think compared to how the average voter thinks.
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Today’s topic: FRACKING
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ALP
Q. Does Territory Labor support fracking in the NT?
A. Yes. Our decisions will always be guided by science and informed by experts.
The Territory Labor Government commissioned the independent Scientific Inquiry in to Hydraulic Fracturing.
We accepted all of the 135 Recommendations from the Inquiry to ensure we have comprehensive and world-leading protections in place.
Q. Explain Territory Labor’s policy on fracking in the Territory
A. Hydraulic fracturing can only go ahead if it is done safely – with the toughest rules in place.
The Inquiry undertook one of the most extensive stakeholder consultation and engagement exercises in Northern Territory history.
The Inquiry held a total of 52 community forums and 151 public hearings, and considered 1257 written submissions.
The independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing outlined 135 recommendations. The Territory Labor Government accepted all 135 recommendations.
The development of the onshore gas industry is one of many opportunities to strengthen and diversify our economy, create new local jobs and facilitate extensive investment right across the Territory.
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LIMITED TIME – Discounted NT News subscription: Read everything for $1
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CLP
Q. Does the CLP support fracking in the NT?
A. Yes.
Q. Explain the CLP’s policy on fracking in the Territory
A. A Country Liberal Government will strongly support the growth of a responsible onshore gas industry.
Onshore gas production has been ongoing for 50 years in the Northern Territory and the CLP will see that continue strongly into the future to create more jobs and attract more investment.
The Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory found a commercial onshore gas industry could create 13,600 jobs and generate $3.7 billion in tax revenue. The Territory needs to realise those benefits.
The CLP will task its new independent Office of the Territory Coordinator to oversee construction of critical infrastructure for gas development including roads, pipelines and telecommunications services and ensure that the 135 Scientific Inquiry recommendations are accomplished in an efficient and timely manner.
The CLP will implement further measures to attract private sector investment, including gas investment.
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LIMITED TIME – Discounted NT News subscription: Read everything for $1
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TERRITORY ALLIANCE
Q. Does the Territory Alliance support fracking in the NT?
A. No
Q. Explain Territory Alliance’s policy on fracking in the Territory
A. Under Territory Alliance there will be no more support for unconventional fracturing (fracking) in the Northern Territory.
Existing exploration licences will not be renewed, no more permits will be granted.
There is no social licence (community support) for fracking and there are significant community and environmental concerns in regard to potential effects on drinking water.
There is a global gas glut and the price has tanked effectively making the fracking industry unviable.
More than $100 million of taxpayer funds has been wasted on supporting an unviable industry.
Territory Alliance will not waste money on unviable industry, instead focusing on renewable energy.
Q. (If applicable after Q1) If Territory Alliance is opposed to fracking in the NT, how soon will it commit to starting the process to ban it after taking power?
A. Within the first 100 days of a Territory Alliance Government all Pepper Inquiry recommendations will be implemented to ensure oversight of existing exploration and legislation will reflect no renewal of licenses, no new permits.
BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK? VOTE IN OUR POLL NOW*
* (Note: This is a continuation of an NT News online poll on fracking originally published at the end of June)
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