Oz N Territory to Implement Fracking Rules

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (Appea) said July 17 it welcomed the Northern Territory government’s plan to implement the recommendations of the independent scientific inquiry into unconventional hydraulic fracturing. The government lifted the moratorium April 17 but measures need to be put in place before fracking can resume.

The framework outlines the need for collaboration and transparency between government, industry, local business and the broader community in ensuring the safe and sustainable development of the Territory’s onshore shale gas resources. The chief minister Michael Gunner said: “Unlocking these reserves will create a new industry for the Territory and with it new jobs, investment, infrastructure and exciting, well-paid career pathways for our young people.”

However Appea said the manner and timeframe in which the government implemented the Inquiry’s 135 recommendations would be critical in determining the commercial viability of the industry. In particular, the government has accepted that 47 of the recommendations must be brought into effect before exploration activity can resume.

“Appea’s member companies stand ready to invest billions of dollars in new projects in the Territory. We are determined to do this in a safe and sustainable manner," it said. Implementing the measures by the end of the year, as the government said was its goal, would be "critical to ensuring the industry can be on the ground exploring in the 2019 dry season... Businesses, contractors and workers in the Territory are counting on the resumption of exploration activities and private investment to help get the Territory economy moving again. Explorers stand ready to resume their activities as soon as the government confirms the necessary regulatory arrangements are in place."