The Territory LaborGovernment has taken a major step forward in delivering a transparent,accountable onshore gas industry that will create jobs for Territorians whileprotecting the environment.
A draft Code of Practice has been released for public consultation todayas part of the Territory Labor Governments implementation of the 135recommendations from the Independent Scientific Inquiry into HydraulicFracturing.
The draft Code of Practice has been developed by technical workinggroups of Northern Territory Government regulatory inspectors and engineersworking closely with CSIRO scientific staff.
The Code of Practice mandates enforceable standards and requirements forthe onshore gas industry on key issues including:
SurfaceActivities
WellOperations
WastewaterManagement
Methaneemissions
Importantly, the Code of Practice implements in whole or in part:
32of the 135 recommendations of the Inquiry; and
15of the 31 recommendations required for exploration to commence this year.
The draft Code of Practice is out for public consultation for fourweeks. The public can provide comment via the Have Your Say website until 2 May2019.
As stated by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:
Our Government is taking action so that as the Territorys onshore gasindustry emerges, our unique natural environment and existing industries areprotected.
The Inquiry said that the design and implementation of a robustregulatory framework was a fundamental precursor to the development of anyonshore shale gas industry in the NT.
With this new Code of Practice, our Government is delivering strong andclear regulation to protect the environment, give certainty for investment, andmeet community demands.
As stated by Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:
Protecting ourenvironment creates jobs good environmental policy is smart economic policy.
The Territorys natural environment is oneof our best assets and a huge part of what makes living here so special.
“These reforms will strengthen governance andaccountability for environmental decisions, support local jobs, and providegreater certainty for business and the community.
As stated by CSIRO Senior Research Scientist (Energy),Dr Cameron Huddlestone-Holmes:
Over the past six months, working under the direction ofthe NT Government, we have collaborated with policy makers, industryrepresentatives, and CSIROs own technical experts to develop a Code ofPractice that addresses the relevant recommendations from the Independent Scientific Inquiry intoHydraulic Fracturing.
The Code of Practice draws on similar regulatoryinstruments in other jurisdictions, NT Government policy and the Independent Scientific Inquiry intoHydraulic Fracturings final report. With input from a range ofstakeholders, CSIRO has helped develop the Code of Practice in a manner that istechnically sound and pragmatic.
