The Territory Labor Government has taken a major step forward in delivering a transparent, accountable onshore gas industry that will create jobs for Territorians while protecting the environment.

A draft Code of Practice has been released for public consultation today as part of the Territory Labor Government’s implementation of the 135 recommendations from the Independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing.

The draft Code of Practice has been developed by technical working groups of Northern Territory Government regulatory inspectors and engineers working closely with CSIRO scientific staff.

The Code of Practice mandates enforceable standards and requirements for the onshore gas industry on key issues including:

• Surface Activities

• Well Operations 

• Wastewater Management

• Methane emissions

 Importantly, the Code of Practice implements in whole or in part:

• 32 of the 135 recommendations of the Inquiry; and

• 15 of the 31 recommendations required for exploration to commence this year.

   

The draft Code of Practice is out for public consultation for four weeks. The public can provide comment via the Have Your Say website https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/ until 2 May 2019.

Quotes from Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:

“Our Government is taking action so that as the Territory’s onshore gas industry emerges, our unique natural environment and existing industries are protected.

“The Inquiry said that the design and implementation of a robust regulatory framework was a fundamental precursor to the development of any onshore shale gas industry in the NT.

“With this new Code of Practice, our Government is delivering strong and clear regulation to protect the environment, give certainty for investment, and meet community demands.”

Quotes from Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

“Protecting our environment creates jobs – good environmental policy is smart economic policy.

“The Territory’s natural environment is one of our best assets and a huge part of what makes living here so special.

"These reforms will strengthen governance and accountability for environmental decisions, support local jobs, and provide greater certainty for business and the community.”

Quotes from CSIRO Senior Research Scientist (Energy), Dr Cameron Huddlestone-Holmes:

“Over the past six months, working under the direction of the NT Government, we have collaborated with policy makers, industry representatives, and CSIRO’s own technical experts to develop a Code of Practice that addresses the relevant recommendations from the Independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing.

“The Code of Practice draws on similar regulatory instruments in other jurisdictions, NT Government policy and the Independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing’s final report. With input from a range of stakeholders, CSIRO has helped develop the Code of Practice in a manner that is technically sound and pragmatic.”

Media Contact: Carl Pfeiffer 0417 910 720