WHAT: The NT government has signed a deal with US gas company Empire Energy to buy fracked gas from the Beetaloo Basin from a proposed expanded drilling project which is yet to receive Ministerial approval.

WHO: Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation represents Traditional Owners from the Beetaloo Basin region. It made a submission opposing Empire’s Environmental Management Plan now before the Minister, noting concerns about inadequate consultation and risks to country and water.

Chair of Nurrdalinji, Djingili Elder Samuel Janama Sandy said, “The Territory government and Empire have made a deal under the table, when they don’t even have Traditional Owners’ agreement to drill and sell the gas and when their expansion plans haven’t been approved.

“Empire can't be trusted. From the four wells they’ve drilled there’s already been problems. There's been wastewater leaks, illegal land clearing, building in the wrong place and a lack of protection of cultural heritage and stone artefacts at the site. During Cyclone Megan this year it’s clear they couldn’t manage their wastewater in big rains.

“Empire and the government should not be pushing on where there's no consent to sell the gas. But they’re moving ahead, ignoring Traditional Owners' fears for country and water from drilling more gas wells.”

Reference: ABC on Empire breaches here.