Land Clearing

7 April 2005

Trans-Territory Pipeline Bill threatens rivers and wetlands

The Trans-Territory Pipeline (TTP) and Blacktip Gas Projects (Special Provisions) Bill, introduced into the NT Parliament late last month, could well be a step backwards for environmental protection in the Territory, the Environment Centre NT said today.

If passed, the new legislation may effectively exempt the TTP consortium that will own and build the pipeline, led by Australian Pipeline Trust and ANZ Infrastructure Services, from the provisions of the NT Water Act.

Instead of having to submit itself to the scrutiny of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, which oversees the Water Act, the consortium looks like it will be able to bypass basic environmental assessment processes and go straight to the Minister for ‘sign off’ whenever it wants to obstruct or divert a waterway.

“The consortium will be wanting to cross numerous high conservation rivers, streams and wetlands on the 940 kilometre pipeline route from Wadeye to Gove”, said Dr Gary Scott, ECNT’s Freshwater Campaigner. “On many occasions it will have to divert or stop natural flows whilst the pipeline is being laid. There is great potential for erosion and additional sedimentation in these ecologically sensitive waterways”.

“At the very least, the Minister for Lands and Planning, Dr Chris Burns, should have to confer with the Minister for the Environment and the Office of Environment and Heritage prior to any consent being given to disturb waterways”.

“The consortium should also be required to finalise all environmental and cultural heritage management plans relating to each major river and wetland crossing before any Ministerial approval is given to proceed with pipeline construction”.

“The Martin Government needs to explain in detail why these provisions in the Bill were deemed necessary, as it has so far failed to do. It is extremely disturbing that this Bill should arise in an election year when the Government will be seeking to persuade the electorate of its green credentials”, concluded Dr Scott.

Section 6 of the Bill relating to waterway crossings can be viewed on the NT Government website in the Register of Legislation: Click here

Further comment: Charles Roche 8941 7439
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

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