Community Update #29 - 5 February 2018

The independent Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing of Onshore Shale Gas Reservoirs in the Northern Territory (Inquiry) has commenced a two-day hearing in Darwin today, the first of its final round of public live-streamed hearings.

The Panel will hold hearings in Katherine, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek, finishing on 12 February 2018.

The hearing schedule has been published on the Inquiry website and presentations will be live-streamed and uploaded to the submission library to provide access to those who cannot attend. You can view the schedule and the live-stream here.

Inquiry Chair, Justice Rachel Pepper, said that the hearings provide a final opportunity to hear formal presentations from interested people, groups and organisations before the Inquiry finalises its work and publishes its Final Report in March 2018.

“Presenters should use the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Final Report and the draft Social Impact Assessment Framework produced by Coffey Services Australia Pty Ltd,” Justice Pepper said.

While the Inquiry has suggested that stakeholders submit large and complex submissions by 2 February 2018, Justice Pepper said that shorter submissions could be made at any time.

“The Panel’s priority is to give each submission due consideration,” Justice Pepper said.

“We would like to receive all further submission as soon as possible, but before the Final Report is completed in March 2018.”