PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Northern Territory government has imposed a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the region, while an independent scientific inquiry is undertaken into the practice.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said on Wednesday that the moratorium delivered on a key election commitment during the recent elections.

““We heard loud and clear the concerns of everyday Territorians, pastoralists, amateur and commercial fishermen, tourism operators, traditional owners, Indigenous rangers and environmental groups.

“It’s clear that Territorians are concerned about the effects of fracking on our land, water and environment. My government is acting on those concerns.”

Gunner said the investigation into fracking activities would be undertaken by an expert panel with expertise in geology, ecology, hydrogeology, ecotoxicology, geochemistry and environmental regulation.

At the conclusion of this investigation, the panel will provide its expert opinion as to whether the practice of fracking can be safely conducted in a regulated environment or whether it is deemed too great a risk for the Territory environment.

The Department of the Chief Minister will establish a fracking taskforce to support the inquiry panel and its public consultations. The taskforce will report regularly to Cabinet.

“Public consultation is absolutely key to this moratorium’s success. I promised an open and consultative government and I want all Territorians to have their say on this issue,” Gunner said.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) has welcomed the release of draft terms of reference for the proposed inquiry into fracking in the Northern Territory, saying the new government has had a clear policy of imposing a moratorium on the use of fracking to develop the Territory’s onshore unconventional gas resources.

Appea has argued against the moratorium, but said it was pleased that the government was moving quickly to establish the framework for the review of the policy.

Appea director for the Northern Territory Matthew Doman said the industry would take time to review the draft terms of reference, but would support the inquiry and collaborate with it to ensure that information considered was factual, complete and relevant to proposed development in the Northern Territory.

“We acknowledge the new government’s policy reflects concern in the community over the industry’s impacts, all too often stirred up by the false and exaggerated claims of opponents,” Doman said.

“Every reputable study confirms that, properly regulated, our industry is safe. We understand that many people are uncertain about the industry, largely because of activists’ fear campaigns. The industry is working with pastoralists, traditional owners and the wider community to address these concerns.

“It is important that the inquiry considers the public benefits to Territorians of natural gas development. These benefits include employment and training opportunities in regional communities, improved infrastructure and services, and direct benefits to the traditional owners and landholders who host development on their land.”

The moratorium will not apply to existing approvals, of which there is only one remaining case in the Northern Territory.

Last month, the Victoria government proposed a permanent ban on the exploration for, and development of, all onshore unconventional gas in the state, including fracking and coal seam gas, following a 2015 Parliamentary inquiry. A moratorium on fracking is currently in place.