Letters Science provides a sound warning about the dangers of fracking

Science provides a sound warning about the dangers of fracking

Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has just released the report on the scientific inquiry into hydraulic fracturing in the Beetaloo Basin (“Beetaloo Basin fracking gets NT government tick”, 4/5). The report concluded that the risks “could be managed”.

The NT government, however, is ignoring science’s warning against the emissions new fossil fuel mining projects could produce, particularly considering global temperatures are already rising.

The Albanese government must act immediately, via the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, to end all new fossil fuel mining.

Barbara Fraser, Burwood, Vic

Like many, I am outraged that the NT Government has approved fracking in the Beetaloo Basin. A forensic legal analysis undertaken last year by national initiative Lock the Gate found that only 27 per cent of risks associated with fracking had been addressed since the 2018 Pepper Inquiry into hydraulic fracturing. It is therefore very unlikely that all 135 scientific recommendations have suddenly been implemented. NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles claims the NT government “will create a sustainable environment”, but fracking is known to cause toxic air pollution, worsen water quality and increase the effects of climate change. In the face of opposition from traditional owners, and with clean-energy alternatives available, just like Santos’s Barossa project (“Santos expects to hit deadline for Barossa Gas Project”, 4/5), fracking in the Beetaloo should not go ahead.

Amy Hiller, Kew, VIC

Prior to NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles’ decision to announce fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, almost 100 scientists published an open letter urging the NT government to listen to the science and to say no to gas production in the area. The minister’s decision will be seen by a great many people as a massive step backwards in relation to countering human-created climate change. If some degree of intervention is possible, perhaps even from the federal government, I am certain the general public would be extremely supportive of such a move.

Brian Measday, Myrtle Bank, SA

Empire and Tamboran shares rose sharply after the NT government gave the nod to fracking in the Beetaloo Basin. The question now is whether they will drop again when the project fails to prove financially viable following the federal government’s tougher safeguard mechanism requirements? One thing is certain: if the project proceeds, emissions will rise too. This highly polluting gas project is forecast to emit the equivalent of more than three times Australia’s current annual domestic emissions over the next two decades.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Vic

Voice details

Peta Credlin provides an excellent synopsis on how the intent of the voice continues to be simplified (“Trust this mob on the voice: not a chance”, 4/5). Unfortunately, it appears as though there are too many voters who won’t take the time to understand the short-, medium- and long-term implications of the voice.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

The history of referendums in Australia clearly demonstrates that they’re extremely unlikely to succeed without reasonable bipartisan political support. Prime Minister Albanese should make every effort to gain the support of significant Liberal moderates such as Julian Leeser, Simon Birmingham and Andrew Bragg.

Kevin Burke, Sandringham, Vic

Coronation dilemma

Many of us have been digesting the invitation to pay homage to King Charles III by way of an oath of allegiance to the King and his heirs. At first, I thought it rather amusing and exciting; a quaint throwback to olden days. Then I grew concerned by the fact that the King, against whom I hold no personal ill-will, has no personal connection to me whatsoever. How can I seriously take an oath to him? After empathetic consideration, my decision to pay homage is based on fundamental fairness within a constitutional monarchy. If we accept that the King plays a valuable role within our constitutional parliamentary democracies and we accept that the monarch will take a lifelong vow of service and duty, then don’t we the people owe him something in return? The King clearly has a great deal of comfort, but he also has little choice in his day-to-day existence, with no prospect of early retirement. It seems only reasonable that we return the pledge.

James Bunting, Dumfries, UK

The coronation has two aspects that people take issue with; the constitutional and the ceremonial. The constitutional monarchy can be considered a success in Australia because of the benefit of having an apolitical head of state. The ceremonial monarchy is the lighter-hearted, decorative side of the monarchy. It would be unfortunate if the dislike of some for the ceremonial resulted in the rejection of the constitutional monarchy. We would be pressed, after 230 successful years, to find a worthy replacement.

Hugh Dakin, Griffith, ACT