A Northern Territory inquriy said has found that the environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracturing could be managed effectively, subject to the creation of a robust regulatory regime.
The long-awaited Hawke report into hydraulic fracturing was tabled in the NT Parliament on February 26, with the central finding that the controversial practice “can occur safely” in the Northern Territory. Offering six recommendations, the report was compiled by Dr Allan Hawke.
Based on the information contained in some 250 submissions, Dr Hawke also concluded that there was “no substantive weight of agreed expert opinion” that would justify a moratorium on fracking.
The report’s finding juxtaposed the same-day announcement by the Tasmanian government that fracking would be banned in the state for another five years, to protect its premium produce reputation.
Speaking to the Katherine Times, new Mines and Energy Minister Dave Tollner did not see the Tasmanian decision as having any relevance to the Territory.
He cited the vastness of the NT as a factor and reiterated the findings of Dr Hawke’s report.
“What we’ve said in response is that we’re hitting the go slow button on exploration, until it can be done safely within the right regulatory environment,” Mr Tollner said.
There are 24 wells slated to be drilled this year and Mr Tollner said they would constitute a “pilot” program of sorts.
“There is already a tough regime in place for drilling those 24 holes,” he said.
“We haven't put a timeline on creating those regulatory regimes, and we'll be closely consulting with stakeholders.”
Don't Frack Katherine chair Charmaine Roth told the Katherine Times that, while the release of the report was welcome, the group had been disappointed that a moratorium had not been recommended.
“Dr Hawke produced a lengthy report which seems to follow the well-established rule of if you want to be paid and get repeat business, don’t stray beyond the terms of reference, which in this case, were set by the NT government,” Ms Roth said.
“For the NT government to say we have now hit the go slow button, and in the second breath reveal there are to be 24 more exploration wells to be drilled this year shows blatant disregard for the environment , for current residents, industry and future generations.”
The Environmental Defenders Office NT also expressed concern about how the government intended to consult with remote indigenous communities about their legal and land rights.
“[The report] highlighted the fact that if you’re going to have this industry, it needs to be coupled with one, a robust regulatory regime, and two, really high-quality governance and compliance,” principal lawyer David Morris said.
“We currently don’t have either of those things, and given they’re understaffed and under-resourced, it’s unfair to expect [public servants] to be robust under those conditions.”
“I’m surprised they haven’t recommended a moratorium, given the lack of resources available.”
Yet Minister Tollner said he was “determined” to allay community concerns.
“We want gas companies to earn their social licence,” he said.
“They need to be part of the community and go through a range of discussions – they can't just drive onto someone’s property and start drilling.
