PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (Appea) this week said calls for a moratorium on shale gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the Northern Territory had no basis in science and ignored the industry’s strong safety record.

Appea Northern Territory director Steven Gerhardy said a moratorium would prevent the exploration activity needed to develop a successful shale gas industry that had the potential to deliver up to 6 300 new jobs and boost government revenue by up to A$460-million a year by 2040.

He pointed out that an independent inquiry into fracking by Allan Hawke concluded there was no need for a moratorium because there was clear evidence the industry could be developed safely with proper regulation.

The report, released in February this year, found that the environmental risks associated with fracking could be managed effectively, subject to the creation of a robust regulatory regime.

“Industry is supporting government moves to strengthen the Territory’s regulatory framework and is committed to safe and sustainable operations. The reality is fracking is a well understood technology that has been used in Australia for decades.”

Gerhardy said the Hawke Inquiry report and a recent economic study by advisory firm Deloitte Access Economics presented a strong case for developing shale gas.

“Shale gas has the potential to become an important new industry for the Territory, delivering jobs, economic growth and much-needed government revenues to fund new and improved infrastructure and services for the community,” he added.

“The Deloitte study found that shale gas has the potential to be the second- or third-largest private sector employer in the Territory, creating long-term, high-paying jobs well into the future.

“Increasing onshore gas production would also generate increased royalties and business opportunities for indigenous communities.”