Action item 7.14
Progress
Complete.
Approved by decision makers.
Recommendation implemented.
That the Government, having regard to the measures detailed in Recommendation 5.5, undertakes a review to determine whether:
- restrictions need to be placed on the transport of hydraulic fracturing chemicals and wastewater during the wet season, particularly on unsealed roads, to avoid the risk of spills; and
- rail transport of some or all of the hydraulic fracturing chemicals and other consumables required, be used to avoid the risk of spills.
Completed
Action item update
Implementation
The Department of the Attorney-General and Justice has completed a comprehensive review of the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2010 and the companion regulations.
A number of amendments to the Act and the regulations will be made through the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill). The amendments to be introduced by the Bill promote the safe transportation of dangerous goods by road and rail, including the transportation of chemicals that are used in the onshore unconventional gas industry. The Bill was introduced into the legislative assembly on 13 October 2022. The Bill was passed in November 2022 and commenced on 2 February 2023.
Arrangements are being made to recruit an additional inspector with onshore unconventional gas expertise. This additional resource will ensure compliance with the amended Act and regulations in the unconventional onshore gas industry. The inspector will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with work health and safety obligations within the industry. Advertising to attract suitable applicants for the position commenced in November 2022 with no suitable applicants identified. Further advertising to attract suitable applicants was carried out in January 2023 and applications received are being considered by NT WorkSafe.