PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) has welcomed the Northern Territory’s proposed inquiry into hydraulic fracturing (fracking), after the state government revealed the final terms of reference for the inquiry.

Northern Territory Environment and Natural Resources Minister Lauren Moss said on Monday that the inquiry would consider fracking of onshore unconventional reservoirs and associated activities, while the scope of the inquiry had also been broadened to include activities such as water acquisition and the treatment of wastewater.

The inquiry would also recommend a process for identifying priority areas for ‘no go zones’ and would consider the economic, cultural and social impacts and risks of the onshore unconventional gas industry.

“The inquiry fulfils the government’s election promise to take a thorough and considered approach to onshore gas in the Northern Territory, based on robust scientific evidence and community engagement,” Moss said.

“Members of the chosen expert panel have combined scientific experience of over 300 years in disciplines such as water, geology, ecology, health, sociology and engineering – we are extremely fortunate to have such an eminent panel of experts to oversee such an important process of evidence gathering and community consultation.

“This multidisciplinary science-based approach to a hydraulic fracturing inquiry, supported by such a diverse composition of panel expertise, is a first of its kind in Australia.”

Appea Northern Territory director Matthew Doman said industry would support the inquiry and collaborate with it to ensure that information considered was factual, complete and relevant to proposed development in the Northern Territory.

“Every reputable study confirms that, properly regulated, our industry is safe,” Doman said.

“We understand that many people are uncertain about the industry, often because of deliberate scare campaigns by opponents of development. The industry is working with pastoralists, traditional owners and the wider community to address genuine questions and concerns.”
 
“We believe the development of the territory’s natural gas resources offers tremendously significant public benefits,” Doman said.

“These benefits include employment and training opportunities in regional communities; improved infrastructure and services; and direct benefits to the traditional owners and landholders who host development on their land.”

The inaugural meeting of the inquiry panel will be held on Wednesday to determine the consultation schedule and proposed timeline of the inquiry.

A moratorium on fracking of onshore unconventional reservoirs within the Northern Territory will remain in place for the term of the inquiry.