ABC: Report warned Indigenous communities may struggle to benefit from fracking in the Northern Territory's Beetaloo Basin

March 21, 2023 9:56 AM

A report has cast doubt on the fracking industry's promise of jobs and economic benefits for Indigenous communities near the Beetaloo Basin.

There has been test fracking for gas for several years on Jingili traditional owner Mark Raymond's country at Tanumbirini, Beetaloo Station and Amungee Mungee.

Key points:

  • A report into the benefits of Beetaloo Basin fracking was commissioned by the federal government
  • The report found benefits to traditional owner groups would be "mixed"
  • It predicted few Indigenous people would be able to get gas industry jobs

He is worried about the Northern Territory government's plan to allow a major Beetaloo Basin gas development to start full production later this year, because he fears there could be environmental impacts.

Mr Raymond is also skeptical of industry predictions fracking in the Beetaloo could create up to 6,000 jobs, and billions of dollars in economic activity and taxes.

"I think it's all not true about employment and the benefit of our mob," Mr Raymond said.

"They all promise that when they want you to sign an agreement for the exploration of your country, but in the long term there's nothing for us."

Listen to the ABC Radio story here. 

Read our Media Release here. 

Full ABC story here.