NT Labor Leader Michael Gunner's announcement on a fracking moratorium in the Northern Territory has support from people across the Territory, who have come out today backing the policy.
However, communities are asking for more details on Mr Gunner’s plan and want to know if it will include identifying parts of the Territory to be permanently protected. Frack rigs are due to roll into the Territory later this year.
"It's great to see politicians actually listening to what the people of the Territory and Australia want, so we want to thank Mr Gunner for his announcement yesterday," said Ilona Kanaris from Parap in Michael Gunner's Darwin electorate.
"However, we think it is important that Mr Gunner now makes it clear how long the halt on fracking will last.
"I want the halt on fracking to last for a lifetime. At the very least, we need a 5 year pause to learn from the disasters that have occurred other parts parts of Australia and the world where this fracking industry has got a foothold," she said.
"We're facing an urgent threat with frack rigs planning to roll into our Gulf Country in the coming months.
"We are pledging to continue our fight until we get a permanent ban and real protection for our country, water and communities from the damage that fracking promises," he said.
"NT Labor and Mr Gunner have taken a very important first step, and they now have the opportunity to step up, listen to Territorians and the scientific community to put in place a five-year moratorium on fracking," she said.