We welcome the Northern Territory Government’s decision today to lift the ban on hydraulic fracking and accept the recommendations of the independent scientific inquiry, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said today.

“Today’s decision unlocks significant economic potential for the Territory and will help provide much needed gas supply to the rest of the country.

“We have long called for the lifting of unscientific moratoriums on gas exploration alongside strong and balanced environmental protections.

“We urge Victoria and NSW to follow the Northern Territory’s lead and lift their unscientific bans on gas development to help drive down energy prices and bring more gas into the market.

“The Northern Territory Government has recognised appropriate environmental safeguards are vital as part of gas exploration development.”