The Territory Labor Government has this week signed a grant agreement with CSIROs GISERA (Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance) to engage the significant and trusted research capabilities of CSIRO to deliver independent and transparent advice on gas development in the Territory.
The GISERA is an alliance involving Industry, Government and CSIRO contributing funds to progress research into the social, economic and environmental impacts of the onshore gas industry in the Territory.
The Territory Government has contributed $450 000 in seed funding for the alliance.
CSIROs GISERA aims are to:
Carry out research and provide information for the benefit of all Australian communities in onshore gas regions and industry.
Inform governments and policy-makers of key research outcomes.
Projects undertaken by GISERA are endorsed by a GISERA Regional Research Advisory Committee (RRAC). The committee reviews and approves all research projects, in order to ensure CSIROs independence.
The GISERA model will have a provision to include research partnerships with NT institutions and research bodies, and local business growth may be considered in project proposal development.
The Territory Labor Government has also announced three additional appointments to the Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group:
Mr Tom Stockwell, former President of the Northern Territory Cattlemens Association
Mr Bobby Nunggumajbarr, Chairman, Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation
Mrs Katherine Warby, Barkly Pastoralist and Business Owner
As stated by Chief Minister Michael Gunner
We want the Territory to be a world class hub for gas production, manufacturing and services by 2030, creating many hundreds of local jobs, and this alliance will help us develop a sustainable, long term industry.
After four years of chaos under the CLP, it is imperative we restore trust in Government, and this is why we have partnered with Australias trusted national science research agency - CSIRO - to engage the significant and trusted research capabilities of CSIROs Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA)
GISERA will deliver independent and transparent and publically reported independent research advice to government on gas development in the Northern Territory.
Territorians can be confident in the independence and transparency in the research undertaken by CSIRO.
As stated by CSIRO Research Director Onshore Gas and GISERA Director, Dr Damian Barrett
Research is crucial in the long term to understand potential impacts from shale gas developments, allowing stakeholders such as regulators, operators and the community the ability to make informed decisions.
CSIROs GISERA provides quality assured scientific research and information on potential social and environmental impacts to communities living in gas development regions.
CSIROs GISERA has established a proven research program, governance structure and processes in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia to ensure independence, transparency and integrity. We will be taking that same approach to the research undertaken in Northern Territory.
