The Northern Territory is on the cusp of developing what could be one of the world's largest shale gas developments, but critics say a recent incident in the Beetaloo Basin has raised questions about the Government's ability to protect the environment.

The gas industry's promise of fracking-related jobs in the Beetaloo Basin has divided Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, leaving some feeling hopeful and others suspicious.

Traditional Owners from the Beetaloo Basin region who oppose fracking on their country today expressed their solidarity with senior Larrakia people who are frustrated by the failure of the Northern Territory government to properly consult with them about the proposed Middle Arm development.

When announcing the decision to allow commercial gas production to go ahead in the Beetaloo Basin this week, NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said Indigenous people had the power to stop a gas development.

Onshore fracking has been given the green light in the Northern Territory’s gas-rich Beetaloo Basin, clearing the way for a controversial expansion of wells and production in a move that has dismayed traditional owners and environmental groups.

Traditional Owners of the Beetaloo Basin, located approximately 500 kilometres south-east of Darwin, have called for a halt to plans for large scale fracking production in the region until proper consultation occurs with Native Title holders.

The Northern Territory government has decided to allow a full-scale onshore gas industry to go ahead in the Beetaloo Basin about 500 kilometres south-east of Darwin.

The Northern Territory will permit fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, unlocking one of the world’s largest untapped gas reserves and drawing immediate condemnation from environmental groups and Indigenous landowners who vow to oppose any development.

Chief Minister incorrect to say Aboriginal people have veto rights over production.

Commenting on today’s release of the Final Report of the Senate Inquiry into Fracking in the NT’s Beetaloo Basin, Traditional Owners from the region have called for a halt to fracking exploration and production until proper consultation occurs and the combined risks from what will be a major industrialisation of their country are better understood.

Traditional custodians from the Beetaloo Basin region say they are hopeful that the Greens’ amendment to Labor’s key climate change policy will help them protect their country from fracking.

“The cultural impacts associated with the development of any onshore shale gas industry must be fully explained prior to the development of that industry and that a plan be developed to manage those impacts on Aboriginal people and their communities.

The federal government has secured the support it needs to implement its central climate change commitment, after reaching a deal with the Greens following months of safeguard mechanism negotiations. 

Commenting on today’s announcement of amendments agreed between the Federal government and Australian Greens to the Safeguards Mechanism Bill, Traditional Owners from the Beetaloo Basin region have expressed their hope that this will help them to protect their country from the dangerous impacts of fracking.

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