Lock the Gate v Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Imperial Oil and Gas Pty Ltd

(Filed 2024, NTCAT, discontinued by consent)

Image via Lock The Gate

Merits review of the decision by the NT Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment to approve Imperial’s Environment Management Plan. The second case filed in the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal since merits review rights were introduced for fracking in the NT. The proceedings raise issues of risks to groundwater and surface water, including impacts on landholders, from gas fracking in the Beetaloo Basin. Acting for a national organisation representing local landowners and community groups, Lock the Gate.

Following a decision by the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal not to allow Lock the Gate to adduce expert evidence in the hearing of this merits review, Lock the Gate discontinued the proceedings by consent. While this matter was on foot, the NT Government removed merits review rights from the community. Merits review rights were one of the key recommendations of the Pepper Inquiry into fracking in the Northern Territory.

These proceedings were run by Principal Lawyer Matt Floro of Johnson Legal for Lock the Gate. Robert White of Counsel appeared for Lock the Gate in the hearing of its application to adduce expert evidence. Johnson Legal thanks expert Professor Ryan Vogwill for his assistance in preparing expert evidence for these proceedings.