The anti-fracking sentiment of many Territorians remains entrenched after a record number opposed the first bid to start drilling.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 6000 submissions were received by the NT Government on Origin Energy's application to start drilling for onshore gas in the Beetaloo.
While the government acknowledged the incredible number of submissions, a spokesman said the vast bulk were in the form of campaign petitions.
These petitions were formulated by anti-fracking groups and sent online to government with the attachment of an address and click of a button.
A government spokesman said there were 26 individual submissions among the thousands of pro-formas.
"The Department of Environment and Natural Resources would like to thank everyone who sent in a submission."
It was also the first time the public had the chance to have a direct say on an application for fracking.
The comments were all directed to Origin Energy's proposed environment management plan for its Beetaloo operations.
This EMP was open for public comment for 28 days and is now to be considered by the government for approval.
Project Country Alliance said 6000 submissions were "a huge number for the Territory", and a sign the public is deeply concerned about the proposal.
It's the first test for new regulations that now require gas exploration companies to submit their exploration plans for public feedback as part of the assessment process.
"This is the first time Origin's frack plans have been subject to public scrutiny, and the response has been huge," said Graeme Sawyer of the alliance.
"The community is appalled at their lack of respect for biodiversity and the risks they are prepared to impose on future generations".
"Traditional Owners, health experts, wildlife experts and local community representatives are shocked and horrified that Origin's frack plans include using open dams to store their toxic fracking waste.
"Origin wants to put birdlife at risk from drinking the polluted muck, plus it wants to leave it there during the extreme weather events of the wet season. It's just not good enough.
"Origin's plans for open waste storage and use of thousands of litres of toxic chemicals for just one frack well have caused a huge amount of anxiety.
"We're also seeing thousands of objections from people right across the country, concerned that if fracking gets off the ground in the NT, it will be a massive carbon polluter."
The minutes of the May 22 meeting of the Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group reveals the apparent failure to fully implement the scientific inquiry's recommendations is a wide concern.
"Issues and concerns were raised in relation to waste water transport and storage tank design including enabling evaporation, well integrity, requirements for rehabilitation, and mandatory monitoring noting that the Code of Practice is yet to be finalised," the group's minutes record.
This mirrors concerns of others than recommendations are not being followed to the letter, particularly with wastewater storage tanks which the scientific inquiry said should be closed.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.