NT government criticised for progressing Beetaloo Basin gas project without full environmental study

Advocates say Empire Energy's fracking works may put endangered or undiscovered animals in the little-explored' area at risk

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Environmentalists have slammed the Northern Territory government for handing a gas company partial approval to begin fracking-related works in the Beetaloo Basin, saying the decision was made in unusual" circumstances and without proper consideration of the impact on local species.

Empire Energy, a firm with links to the Liberal party, has been the focus of Senate scrutiny since it was awarded $21m from a $50m federal grant scheme to explore the Beetaloo Basin as part of the Coalition's gas-led economic recovery.