The Katherine Mining Services Association, along with the Chamber of Commerce NT and the Sturt Plateau Best Practice Group, will host a seminar in Katherine on Thursday, which it says is designed to provide the community with balanced information about the potential expansion of the onshore natural gas industry in the Northern Territory.
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It’s a topic that evokes a range of reactions across the community, and the seminar organisers say that while many people have heard about “fracking”, there has been little conversation about how the industry could benefit Northern Territory industries and local business, and there had not been a balance of information about environmental issues.
KMSA chairman Geoff Crowhurst said there hadn’t been enough factual information from “people who are working out bush, who are developing the industry, who really know what is going on”.
“It is not widely understood just how the NT can benefit from the royalties and flow on to the downstream industries”.
Rohan Sullivan, speaking on behalf of the Sturt Plateau Group said that in addition to misinformation about the environment, it is not widely understood how fracking occurs.
He said the event would provide factual information and details will be provided about the geology, water usage, well integrity and environmental impacts.
“If people want to know how the natural gas industry will benefit them then I encourage people to book into a seminar”, said Mr Kevin Grey, chairman of Chamber of Commerce Katherine.
“If people want to learn about fracking or are worried about water supplies then these seminars will definitely answer their questions”.
Presenters will cover a wide range of topics including the bigger picture of onshore petroleum industry and the potential downstream benefits, as well as the life cycle of petroleum production and how hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” occurs in the NT.
People will learn about the oil and gas activities in the McArthur and Beetaloo basins, south of Katherine.
The free seminar will include a Q&A session with the speakers and a representative from Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, APPEA, available to take questions.
It’s being held in Katherine on July 28 at 5.45pm at Katherine Country Club, Marquee.
To book go to https://trybooking.com/MIJP or email publicofficer@kmsa.com.au. For more information, phone Teresa Cummings 0488761007.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
