In May GetUp members and supporters handed a petition of 24,500 signatories to the federal Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek’s at her electorate office in Sydney.
The call to action focuses on the protection of Larrakia cultural heritage and to stop the Middle Arm gas hub.
Gurang Gurang First Nations Justice Campaigner Amy Gordan Gurang says GetUP supports traditional owners in the Northern Territory and the Labor government must implement federal cultural heritage legislation and stop fracking and risk to sacred sites and the water for the region.
No Benefit In The Gas Industry For Our People; Jingili Elder Samuel Janama Sandy
It’s going to affect my Grandchildren and everybody within the Beetaloo Basin
The Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation is concerned that fracking will cause the industrialisation of the Beetaloo Basin and destroy what is left of their cultural heritage including sacred rock art and the water table. Jingili Elder and Deputy Chair Samuel Janama Sandy says the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority have to protect their sites from harm. He says the rights to determine the outcome of any decisions made about fracking on his people’s country need to be respected and he is calling for a regional summit with the Northern Land council and all companies involved including government to develop a process with Nurrdalinji that supports consent and consultation
Mr Sandy is saddened and very concerned on what fracking will do for the future of his grandchildren’s cultural heritage.