WHAT: Response to news that Lock the Gate Alliance has launched the first legal challenge to fracking under the water trigger in Australia’s national environment laws. Lock the Gate Alliance is seeking an injunction from the Federal Court to prevent Tamboran’s Shenandoah project going ahead until the Federal Government assesses the impacts of the project on water under national environment laws.

WHO: Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation, which  represents native title holders from the Beetaloo Basin region, wrote to Minister Plibersek in February 2024 asking her to assess the water impacts of Tamboran’s project. It also made a submission to the Federal Government regarding new water trigger guidelines, asking that they properly address cultural values.

In Nurrdalinji’s letter to Minister Plibersek, 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 noted:

“Aboriginal people are responsible for the health of our lands and water. But if fracking damages our water, it can’t be healed. If our water is lost or poisoned, where are we going to go? 

“What will happen to our law, to our language, to our culture and to our country? Our country is getting sick, and one day it may die. All the gas companies care about is monetary gain, but we can’t afford to lose our water.“

Chair of Nurrdalinji, Djingili Elder Samuel Janama Sandy said, “Traditional Owners in the Beetaloo have been asking for the impact of fracking on water to be scrutinised for a long time.

“We don’t know what is happening to the water on our country. Water is precious for community and families.

“Minister Plibersek needs to call in these fracking projects in the Beetaloo and assess the impact of water. 

“The companies like Tamboran and Empire can’t be trusted. We want them to pack up and go home.”