Community and Business Reference Group meet for the sixth time

The Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Nothern Territory identified the need for a ground water monitoring program at each petroleum well site. The purpose of the program is to provide confidence that natural groundwater characteristics remain unaltered; or alternatively provide early detection of any contamination or altered hydrology that may occur as a result of petroleum activities. Monitoring results may also provide justification for further investigation or remedial action, if necessary.

The Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group (Reference Group) held its sixth meeting in Darwin on 13 November 2019.

Established to provide a forum for government to seek advice and share information, the Reference Group received presentations and updates on the:

• implementation of the Reserved Block Policy
• role of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority
• development of the NT Climate Response Strategy
• detail of the SREBA framework
• progress to support NT business to capture maximum benefit from onshore gas.

Members of the Reference Group sought clarification on a number of matters relating to the presentations which were taken on notice and will either be addressed out of session or at the next meeting in March 2020.

Ms Julie-Ann Stoll has resigned from her membership of the Reference Group.  Members thanked her for her contribution and welcomed her replacement Mr Joe Martin-Jard as the representative of the Central Land Council.

For full details of the meeting and to read Communique 6 please click here PDF (900.3 KB)