The Climate and Health Alliance was disappointed to see support from both major parties for the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct, despite significant evidence of the health risks provided by CAHA and allies to the inquiry.
The Middle Arm Senate Inquiry handed down their report this week, which clearly outlines the risk to the health of all people living in the Northern Territory associated with the Precinct. Despite this, the Federal Government has maintained its commitment of $1.5 billion to its development, with support from the Opposition.
The report arrived just days before the Northern Territory's state election and after findings from an NT government-commissioned report into Greenhouse Gas Emissions Scenarios were released.
Michelle Isles, Chief Executive Officer of the CAHA, presented evidence at the Inquiry alongside CAHA members and Allies. She said that the findings of the report cannot be ignored.
"The health impacts associated with the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct are clear and concerning. To proceed with this development given the evidence revealed in this report would be to knowingly put the health of all people living in the Northern Territory at risk," Ms Isles said.
Evidence clearly shows that oil and gas developments are detrimental to human health and wellbeing. They put local communities at increased risk of vulnerability and put strain on already overburdened health systems.
The Northern Territory does not currently have a state 2030 emissions target in place. Implementing an ambitious 2030 target would allow more careful consideration of the impacts to environment and health in decision making processes which contribute to increased emissions.
"With the election this weekend, Northern Territorians have the opportunity to use their democratic rights to support policies that protect the health of their community and the planet," Ms Isles said.
"There is still time for the Federal Government to do the right thing for the health of people living in the Northern Territory and Australia, and end all fossil fuel subsidies
"If redirected into green energy projects and health systems, the $1.5 billion dollars committed to support the development of the Middle Arm Precinct would rapidly accelerate Australia on its path to net zero, and bolster climate-preparedness
"Ending fossil fuel subsidies, and harnessing the resources already available to us to generate green energy is essential in demonstrating global leadership on climate change."
