'Gutted': lawsuit over fracking water risks dismissed
A federal judge dismissed activists' lawsuit challenging Tamboran's fracking pilot in the NT, citing insufficient evidence of likely water impact.Summary
Activists from Lock The Gate Alliance sought an injunction to halt Tamboran B2's Shenandoah fracking pilot in the Beetaloo Basin, arguing the project risked water resources under the federal water trigger legislation. Justice Nicholas Owens dismissed the case, finding no likely significant impact on water resources, noting lack of evidence that gas would breach well casings and contaminate aquifers, and stating any risk would require a chain of unlikely failures.
Lock The Gate's acting national co-ordinator Georgina Woods said they were "gutted" by the outcome and called for government clarity on when the water trigger applies, while Tamboran Resources welcomed the decision, reaffirming its commitment to high environmental standards and highlighting the project's economic and social benefits for the region. Activists indicated they may consider an appeal, noting that community concerns about fracking in the Northern Territory have persisted for a decade.
(Source：Perthnow)