Northern Territory clears way for fracking to begin in Beetaloo Basin

Northern Territory clears way for fracking to begin in Beetaloo Basin | Northern Territory | The Guardian

The Northern Territory government says it is satisfied the recommendations of an independent inquiry into fracking have been met, clearing the way for gas production and the expansion of wells across the Beetaloo basin.

The NT chief minister, Natasha Fyles, announced Wednesday morning her government was giving a green light for gas production in the region between Katherine and Tennant Creek, a move environment organisations warn and scientists have warned will have an unacceptable impact on the climate.

The Pepper inquiry handed down 135 recommendations in 2018 which the territory government promised to implement in full.

Wednesday’s announcement means gas companies can apply for production licences and environmental impact assessments.

Companies will still need to make financial decisions about whether to proceed, but if the Beetaloo did reach full production it could see thousands of wells across the landscape.

On Wednesday, 96 scientists published an open letter calling for the Northern Territory government to ban unconventional gas projects because of their effects on the climate.
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