A grant agreement has been signed between the Northern Territory Government and CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) to deliver advice on gas development in the territory.
The State Government has contributed $450,000 in seed funding for the alliance.
CSIRO’s GISERA aims to:
- Carry out research and provide information for the benefit of all Australian communities in onshore gas regions and industry
- Inform governments and policy-makers of key research outcomes
Projects undertaken by GISERA are endorsed by a GISERA Regional Research Advisory Committee (RRAC). The committee reviews and approves all research projects, in order to ensure CSIRO’s independence.
The GISERA model will have a provision to include research partnerships with NT institutions and research bodies, and local business growth may be considered in project proposal development.
The State Government has also announced three additional appointments to the Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group:
- Tom Stockwell, former President of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association
- Bobby Nunggumajbarr, Chairman, Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation
- Katherine Warby, Barkly Pastoralist and Business Owner
Northern Territory Chief Minister, Michael Gunner, said that the government wants the Northern Territory to be a world class hub for gas production, manufacturing and services by 2030, creating hundreds of local jobs.
“This alliance will help us develop a sustainable, long-term industry,” Mr Gunner said.
“GISERA will deliver independent and transparent and publically reported independent research advice to government on gas development in the Northern Territory.
“Territorians can be confident in the independence and transparency in the research undertaken by CSIRO.”
CSIRO Research Director Onshore Gas and GISERA Director, Dr Damian Barrett, said that the research is crucial in the long term to understand potential impacts from shale gas developments, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions.
“CSIRO’s GISERA provides quality assured scientific research and information on potential social and environmental impacts to communities living in gas development regions,” Dr Barrett said.
“CSIRO’s GISERA has established a proven research program, governance structure and processes in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia to ensure independence, transparency and integrity. We will be taking that same approach to the research undertaken in Northern Territory.”
