Gas mining corporations are ready to frack for shale gas in the Beetaloo basin in the NT. To do so they need massive amounts of water, which they plan to use in the toxic and damaging shale fracking process. The projects are opposed by Traditional Owners.
The federal government has promised to add a water trigger for shale gas mining to the Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Act (EPBCA) as part of its reform. The water trigger will require a more rigorous assessment of the shale gas projects because of the significant impacts on water resources. A water trigger for coal mines and coal seam gas has been in place since 2013.
Reform of the EPBC Act is a big task, and it’s taking time. The fracking companies are ready to go in the NT though, so this amendment can’t wait.
Please sign Lock the Gate’s petition
A group of Traditional Owners visited Canberra recently to meet with federal politicians and explain the reasons for their strong opposition to gas mining. The Guardian report here
Graphic: Lock the Gate – image of the Traditional Owners in Canberra.