WHAT: Directors of Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation, representing Beetaloo Basin native title holders, present at Darwin hearing for the Senate Inquiry into Middle Arm Gas Hub.
WHEN: Presenting at Roundtable Wed 10 April WATCH (2.15-3pm ACST) and Public Hearing Thurs 11 April WATCH (11am-12.10pm ACST).
WHERE: DoubleTree By Hilton, 116 Esplanade, Darwin.
WHO: Djingili elders and Nurrdalinji Chair, Samuel Janama Sandy and Directors Janet Gregory and Elaine Sandy can be made available for interview.
Nurrdalinji made a comprehensive Submission (no 57) to the Inquiry. It asked that the Federal Government act to stop fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, the gas from which is planned to be processed at Tamboran’s new LNG plant at Middle Arm and then sold overseas. Nurrdalinji also asked that billions in public money not be spent funding any gas-related industry at Middle Arm.
Djingili elder and Nurrdalinji Director Janet Gregory, from Elliott in the heart of the Beetaloo and now living in Alice Springs because of dialysis needs said, “We’ve travelled to Darwin to tell the Inquiry that Traditional Owners don’t want fracking, with its risks to our water, country and culture.
“The Federal government shouldn’t back gas mining in the Beetaloo Basin, which will be used at Middle Arm, when native title holders haven’t been properly consulted and their views listened to.
“It’s wrong for billions in public money to be spent to help Tamboran’s plan to process Beetaloo gas at Middle Arm for sale overseas. Especially when that funding could be directed to our people here.
“Our communities need better housing, health and education. We also need affordable and reliable energy and this best comes from the sun. This is where public money should be spent, so our grandchildren can enjoy better lives.”
For interviews: Alison Orme. More on Nurrdalinji here.
High resolution photos of Directors for download. Nurrdalinji Directors and members, with flaring gas well behind, on Tanumbirini Cattle Station, here.
Background to Inquiry
The Inquiry was set up to consider the controversial proposal to develop Middle Arm Industrial Precinct. In 2023 Nurrdalinji commissioned respected climate scientist, Bill Hare, to prepare a report into predicted emissions from fracking the Beetaloo and the Middle Arm Gas Hub and whether they can be offset.
Background to Nurrdalinji Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
Nurrdalinji Native Title Aboriginal Corporation has members across the Beetaloo Basin and Barkly regions. It includes native title holders from the Amungee Mungee, Beetaloo, Hayfield, Kalala, Newcastle Waters - Murranji, Nutwood Downs, Shenandoah, Tandyidgee, Tanumbirini, Daly Waters Township, Ucharonidge native title determinations.
The Beetaloo sub-basin is located around 500 kilometres south-east of Darwin. It embraces Aboriginal land, pastoral leases (which co-exist with Native Title rights and interests), horticultural enterprises, cattle stations and remote Aboriginal communities. A number of companies are currently undertaking fracked gas drilling in the region, with most of the NT covered by exploration permits.