Oil and gas exploration and production in the Beetaloo Basin

August 2021

© Commonwealth of Australia 2021
ISBN: 978-1-76093-281-7

View the report as a single document:

View the report as separate downloadable parts:

Members

Recommendations

Chapter 1—Introduction and context

  Referral of the inquiry
  Conduct of the inquiry
  Acknowledgement
  Note on references
  Disclosure
  Structure of the report
  Context to the inquiry

Chapter 2—Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program

  Overview of the BCD Program
  Eligibility criteria
  Application assessment criteria
  Key title holders in the Beetaloo
  First grants under the BCD Program
  Transparency and accountability
  Standard of governance
  Committee view

Chapter 3—Economic rationale for shale gas activities in the Beetaloo

  Projected economic returns
  Financial support for the NT's onshore gas industry
  Better ways to spend $50 million
  Committee view

Chapter 4—First Nations views on fracking in the Beetaloo

  Strong opposition to oil and gas activities on country
  Consultations
  Benefits not going to communities
  Concerns over land and water contamination
  Committee view

Chapter 5—Potential environmental impacts

  Findings and key recommendations of the Pepper Inquiry
  Energy production and potential greenhouse gas emissions
  Committee view

Dissenting report by Coalition Senators

  Independent scientific research
  Economic benefits of the BCD Program
  Due process and probity
  Northern Land Council / consultation
  Conclusion

Additional comments from Labor Senators

Australian Greens' additional comments

Appendix 1—Public hearings and witnesses

Appendix 2—Submissions and additional information

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3526
ec.sen@aph.gov.au