All four Indigenous clan groups in the Borroloola community took part in an anti-fracking rally on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gas extraction via hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the Beetaloo Basin has triggered environmental debate across the NT, including Katherine.
"The rally is demanding Empire, Imperial, Amour and Origin energy immediately listen to the Borroloola community and stop fracking," community spokesperson Gadrian Hoosan said.
"The Morrison government's so-called 'gas recovery' is a myth, led by and designed for fossil fuel lobbyists with vested interests and deep pockets."
Plans to frack in the Beetaloo Basin have caused concern among many NT residents, with fears it could jeopardise groundwater and Australia's efforts to meet the Paris emissions reduction target.
The potential environmental consequences of fracking were the inspiration behind the demonstration.
"These gas projects are washed up, recycled ideas that have already been rejected after failing their own viability studies," Mr Hoosan said.
"They don't make economic sense without being propped up with huge amounts of public money and would be a catastrophe for our climate."
The environmental debate extends to the recent discovery of tiny aquatic animals living deep within the aquifers of the Beetaloo, and concerns about fracking's potential risk to local water quality.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark katherinetimes.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @KatherineTimes
- Follow us on Instagram @katherinetimes
- Follow us on Google News
- You can also 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.