Environmental advocates, including Greens, independent MPs, and conservation groups, are urging the Albanese government to intervene in a controversial fracking project in the Beetaloo gas basin. They are calling for a thorough assessment under national water laws, expressing concerns about the potential environmental impact that has not been adequately evaluated by the Northern Territory government.
Recently, the NT government approved Tamboran Resources’ Shenandoah South pilot project, allowing the construction of exploration sites and drilling of natural gas wells in the Beetaloo Basin. This decision has sparked criticism and raised questions about the project’s implications for the environment.
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In April, the NT government signed a deal with Tamboran to purchase fracked gas from the project, further intensifying the debate surrounding the initiative.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler emphasized the importance of the environmental approval, stating that it is a crucial step towards extracting natural gas from the Beetaloo while ensuring industry compliance with stringent safeguards.
There is growing pressure on Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek to utilize her authority and subject the project to assessment under the expanded “water trigger” legislation. This legislation, aimed at evaluating unconventional gas projects’ impact on water resources, has been extended to include projects like the one in the Beetaloo.
Independent and Greens MPs are advocating for a comprehensive assessment of projects like Shenandoah South under national environment laws. They are urging Minister Plibersek to exercise her power and intervene in the approval process.
Sophie Scamps, an independent MP, stressed the need for a thorough evaluation of shale and tight gas projects like this, calling on Minister Plibersek to take action.
Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens’ environment spokesperson, echoed the sentiment, urging Minister Plibersek to use the water trigger power granted by parliament to assess Tamboran’s gas mine under national environmental laws.
Concerns have been raised about the NT Environment Protection Authority’s decision regarding the project, prompting further scrutiny and calls for a more rigorous assessment process.
2024-06-06 23:49:13
Source from www.theguardian.com
