Fracturing technology to enhance gas production has been used since the Second World War.

Since then many researchers, including myself (30 years since the start of my career at UNSW), have made significant contributions to advance fracture technology to improve the quality of fracture volume and travel path, fluid leak off, fracturing propping etc. in most formations (conventional petroleum reservoirs, shale gas, tight sands, coal seam gas etc.) at shallow to deep sections.

Major US and European universities as well as UNSW have established specific research programs in this field to adequately address above issues.

If an appropriate technology is adopted and implemented, we should never experience any effect on our environment due to hydraulic fracturing. 

I found the inquiry to be a very rigorous and thorough process reaching out to all sections of society and the community.

The findings and recommendations are based on extensive scientific evidence (as has been available to similar inquiries) and consultation. The outcome is a responsible mix of staged implementation and carefully thought through improved governance and controls.

The Northern Territory Government’s decision to allow hydraulic fracturing, under certain well-defined conditions seems sound and follows the decision made by the majority of mature oil and gas jurisdictions faced with the same evidence.

Successful, well managed exploration and development has the potential in time to contribute to increased Australian gas supply and a possible reduction of gas and electricity price pressures.

Introduction of the Inquiry’s recommendations will provide a comprehensive regulatory framework to responsibly manage gas extraction and distribution during the transition to an overall lower carbon energy mix.

We look forward to working with the NT Government as the recommendations are implemented and bringing lessons from our Queensland experience.

The issue of banning unconventional offshore and on shore fracking is one that is vexing many nations. Some states in Australia still ban it, as well as many nations such as New Zealand, Spain and France.

The issue revolves around competing interpretations of the science. As a matter of law, many Australian states are committed to adopt the precautionary principle, which would suggest that uncertainty in the science is a reason to not go ahead with environmental activities that have a risk.

In addition to this concept, there are several human rights instruments that could be infringed in the event of contamination of aquifers and surface waters by fracking fluids. The solution is to put in place a strict monitoring system to monitor and advise on best practice on the wells and ensure safety is not compromised. It would be good to see Federal monies devoted to such environmental monitoring.

Fracking deserves to be controversial due to the fact it will increase greenhouse gas emissions and poses significant risks to be managed during the exploration and development phases. Whilst the inquiry has acknowledged these risks, the NT government has not.