Thousands of NT residents are expected to rally against fracking outside Parliament House in Darwin next weekend.
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On Saturday, November 18 Territorians from Central Australia to Arnhem Land, will unite to call on the NT Government to enact a ban on fracking gasfields.
Lauren Mellor from Territory Frack-free Alliance said they are expecting a huge crowd.
“I think there is quite a few people from Katherine planning to attend,” Ms Mellor said.
“There is a Clean Water contingent coming from Katherine. and quite a lot of delegates coming from Indigenous fracking forum as well.
“About 10 Indigenous people from Katherine will be going to Darwin for the ‘Not here, Not Anywhere Indigenous Fracking Forum’ and they will be presenting a statement to the Chief Minister on the Monday,” she said.
“Petrena Ariston is a local tourism operator from Katherine and she will be speaking at the rally on behalf of Clean Water Katherine.”
The Water is Life rally will meet at Parliament House at 10am, and is timed to coincide with the final sittings of NT Parliament for 2017 and the handing down of a draft final report from the NT Fracking Inquiry, expected before the end of the year.
Participants are calling on the NT Government to give all government members a vote on the outcome of the Fracking Inquiry report, not just the eight predominantly Darwin-based Cabinet members.
Walpiri elder from Yuendumu Ned Hargreaves will be head to Darwin with other Central Australian representatives to make sure their voice is heard.
“I look forward to having a say, we don’t want fracking on our land and I hope that by coming together as one, the government will hear this message,” Mr Hargreaves said.
All Territory MLAs have been invited to attend the event to hear firsthand the concerns of Territory farmers, fishers, tourism operators, traditional owners and communities.
If people want more information or assistance in travelling to the rally contact Lauren Mellor on 0413 534 125 or via email frackfreent@gmail.com.