The TerritoryLabor Government has finalised the Code of Practice, further strengtheningprotections for the environment and delivering an accountable and transparentonshore gas industry, which will support Territory jobs.
The Northern Territory Government is implementing all 135recommendations from the Independent Scientific Inquiry into HydraulicFracturing. Theestablishment of the Code means the majority of the recommendations requiredfor exploration to commence this year have been implemented.
The Code wasdeveloped by the Northern Territory Government, working closely with the CSIRO,and peer reviewed by scientific experts from around the world.
A total of 29substantive public submissions were received while the draft Code was availablefor public comment.
In response topublic submissions, the Code has been revised to make it clear that enclosedtanks are required to be used to store wastewater. The Code has also been madeclearer regarding wastewater treatment, evaporation, transport and disposalrequirements.
The Codemandates enforceable standards and requirements for the onshore gas industry onkey issues, including:
Welloperations
Surfaceactivities
Wastewatermanagement; and
Methaneemissions.
Development ofthe Territorys onshore petroleum industry has the potential to generatesignificant investment in the local economy and create local jobs.
Following theapproval of environment management plans, civil works are commencing in theBeetaloo basin, in accordance with the Code of Practice. Copies of approvedenvironment management plans will be available to be viewed here: https://denr.nt.gov.au/environment-information/onshore-gas-in-the-northern-territory/environment-management-plan
As noted by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:
Withthis new Code of Practice, our Government is delivering strong and clearregulation to protect the environment, give certainty for investment, and meetcommunity demands.
OurGovernment has a clear plan to protect our environment, create local jobs andensure the actions of Government and industry are transparent and accountable.
Weexpect to see exploration this dry season so long as the companies have metall the requirements that they need to meet.
As noted bythe Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:
TheTerritorys natural environment is one of our best assets and a huge part ofwhat makes living here so special. Protectingthe environment creates jobs good environmental policy, is smart economicpolicy.
We arerestoring trust and certainty through the implementation of a robust, clear andtransparent set of rules and guidelines for how the environment must beprotected.
These reformswill strengthen governance and accountability for environmental decisions,providing greater certainty for business and the community.
