New polling conducted across Darwin this week shows fracking is a massive issue for Territorians, with 84% of respondents concerned about impacts on water and pastoral stations.
Contrary to negative comments from the Giles Government, the polling provides strong backing for the Labor Party to adopt a minimum 5-year ban on the practice.
More than half of respondents indicated they will shift their vote if neither of the major parties deliver a 5 year ban on fracking.
Key Results
84% of poll respondents are concerned about risks to water supplies and pastoral stations from fracking.
66% believe the NT Labor Party should put in place either a permanent ban or a 5 year ban on fracking.
52% are more likely to vote Independent if neither of the major parties puts in place a 5 year ban on fracking.
Only 13% of respondents oppose a ban on fracking.
Naomi Hogan from Lock the Gate Northern Territory, who commissioned the poll, said, "These poll results show there is overwhelming support for Northern Territory candidates to step up and ban gas fracking, at least for 5 years."
"A whopping 84% of respondents are concerned about risks to water supplies and pastoral stations if gas fracking goes ahead."
"Across the Territory, we've found rural landholders are also very concerned about fracking, wanting greater protection from fracking gasfields and the right to say no to the industry to protect water supplies, land and culture.
"NT Labor should have the guts to act on community concerns and adopt a policy for a minimum 5-year ban on fracking in the Territory.
"It's clear that anything less just won't cut it with voters at the upcoming election," she said.
Parap resident Ilona Kanakis said, "It's no surprise that the vast majority of respondents want to see a ban on fracking.
"We know the fracking industry puts our precious water at risk.
"This year it's time our elected leaders start listening to voters and commit to a ban on the dangerous shale gas fracking industry," she said.
The phone polling was conducted of 634 respondents by Reachtel on Tuesday night 9 February across the Darwin electorates of Casurina, Drysdale, Fannie Bay, Fong Lim, Johnston, Karama, Nightcliff, Port Darwin, Sanderson and Wanguri.