Firstly, what is Fracking? A simple animation to shown HERE.
Under current Australian environmental laws for conventional developments, assessment of potential ground water contamination is only covered for “Coal Seam Gas” and not “Tight or Shale Gas”.
Therefore, there is no Federal protection of the extensive aquifer in the Beetaloo Basin through which hundreds of gas wells will be drilled. This aquifer feeds the rivers and water supplies in the Top End.
This YouTube video HERE from Carmel Flint explains the issue. A clearer presentation of the slides is HERE and can be scrolled through as the YouTube plays.
A briefing on this issue from the Beyond Gas Network is HERE.
What can you do?
You can communicate with local Federal representatives and ask that the EPBC Act be changed as follow HERE.
Communicate via email, Australia Post, physical meeting. In particular ALP MPs (MHRs and Senators) will be most concerned about the Beetaloo Basin gas developments and will be appreciative of your encouragement to amend the Legislation.
Lists and contact details of Federal and MHRs are HERE and Senators HERE.
