Tom Zaunmayr, National Indigenous Times (NIT)

When Jingili Elder Pompey Raymond reflects on the Northern Territory’s oil and gas industry, he sees careers for young people, education, community infrastructure and a pathway to protect his country.

A senior ceremony man born on Beetaloo Station, Mr Raymond believes the debate around industry is often hijacked by those who should not be speaking for the region.

…

Fracking is a polarising issue among the wider Indigenous population of the Top End, but on Warranangku country Mr Raymond said the voices who could rightfully speak for country were clear in their support.

In a rare series of interviews, remote community leaders such as Mr Raymond have spoken up to dispel perceptions the Top End’s Indigenous community was united against industrial development.

Debate is centered on the Beetaloo Basin, which has enough shale gas stored to power Australia for an estimated 300 years, an attractive proposition given the east coast’s current power woes.

Read the full story at the National Indigenous Times.

This article appeared on the National Indigenous Times on 20 June 2022.