The Territory Labor Government is increasing the level of transparency around onshore petroleum activity, with changes to the Petroleum (Environment) Regulations coming into effect today.
The changes implement recommendations made in the Final Report of the independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing.
The changes:
Ensure the consideration of cumulative impacts (recommendation 14.19)
Require the publication of all notices and reports of environmental incidents, including reports about reportable incidents (recommendation 14.16)
Require that Environment Management Plans (EMPs) for the drilling of petroleum wells and hydraulic fracturing must be published and available for public comment prior to Ministerial consideration of the activity (recommendation 14.15)
Require disclosure and publication of chemical use, and that flowback and produced water composition be reported and published (recommendation 7.10)
As stated by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles:
The Territory Labor Government accepted all 135 recommendations from the independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing to develop a transparent, accountable onshore gas industry that will create jobs for Territorians while protecting our environment.
Among other things, the changes to regulations mean that, for the first time, Territorians have the opportunity to comment on Environment Management Plans for the drilling of petroleum wells and hydraulic fracturing before they are considered by Government.
The changes also mean operators must now provide more detailed information about their activities, and that information will be made available to the public.
We are developing the onshore gas industry based on science and in a way that will maximise the benefits and opportunities available to local businesses and communities.
