The CLP Government has welcomed the Independent Expert Scientific Committee's (IESC) latest advice, which assesses the potential water resource impacts of Beetaloo Sub-basin's petroleum exploration and appraisal activities as 'minor'.
The IESC on Unconventional Gas Development and Large Coal Mining Development delivered its advice to Federal Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek earlier this week.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the CLP Government is unequivocally backing the onshore gas industry, and this latest advice provides additional certainty and confidence around environmental concerns to investors, industry and the broader community.
He said the IESC advice validates the NT's robust regulatory framework, which Government has put in place to prepare for the responsible development of gas production from the world-class Beetaloo Sub-basin resource.
"We already have stringent measures in place to safeguard the Territory's natural environment in preparation for the Beetaloo coming online, including strict water management laws underpinned by world-leading environmental studies and regulatory best practice.
"And now the IESC advice reflects this by assessing the potential impacts on water resources by exploration and appraisal activities in the Beetaloo Sub-basin as 'minor'."
"This provides additional reassurance to Territorians, and importantly gives industry added certainty it requires to invest in exploring and developing the Beetaloo."
The IESC is made up of leading scientists that independently advises government regulators on the impacts that unconventional gas and large coal mining developments may potentially have on Australia's water resources.
Its latest advice identifies that hydraulic fracturing of deep shales for exploration and appraisal is not considered to be a major risk to the Basin's groundwater systems if conducted according to industry best practice.
"The Beetaloo Sub-basin has some of the largest gas reserves in the world, and it is of the highest priority for our Government, and myself as Minister for Mining and Energy to develop this resource for the benefit of Territorians, with the appropriate regulatory mechanisms in place."
"Developing the Beetaloo will deliver much-needed energy security for the Territory and the nation, rebuild the Territory's economy, and create thousands of ongoing jobs for Territorians," said Minister Maley.
