PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) has warned that a three-month delay in the independent inquiry into hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the Northern Territory would impact on investment in onshore gas projects over the next year.

The Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing of Onshore Unconventional Reservoirs in the Northern Territory this week reported that on-ground community consultation activities, which formed part of a social impact assessment, would have to be re-done.

While a draft final report would be published in mid-December, the final report would only be published in March next year, to ensure the completion and public release of work done by independent consultant Coffey Services Australia, and to allow for adequate time for the public, government and industry to read and digest the final report.

Appea’s Northern Territory director Matthew Doman said on Wednesday that the gas industry was surprised and disappointed by the announcement that the inquiry’s final report would not be completed until March.

“What was supposed to be a 12-month inquiry is now entering its second year,” Doman said.

“The final report was promised by the end of this year. We now won’t see it until at least March next year. Even if the fracking moratorium is lifted after that, it is very hard to see any significant investment occurring in 2018.

“That means another year of lost opportunity for traditional owners and local businesses who stand to benefit as soon as this unnecessary moratorium ends. These further delays are damaging to the Northern Territory’s economic interests.

“It must be remembered that we have already had one independent inquiry into fracking in the Northern Territory, which took nine months to conclude that any risks could be safely managed through robust regulation.

“Numerous other inquiries here in Australia and overseas have reached the same conclusion; fracking is safe when properly regulated.”