NT: Indigenous communities oppose fracking

Remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory are gearing up for a public relations battle with the oil and gas industry over fracking.

Aboriginal communities opposed to hydraulic fracturing projects on their land have formed an alliance.

The oil and gas industry is planning a counter-offensive highlighting economic benefits and environmental safeguards.

The indigenous and community groups come from communities across the NT including Maningrida, Borroloola, Mataranka and Katherine.

Their new group, the NT Frack Free Alliance, aims to provide support to remote groups opposing fracking.

At the group's first meeting in Darwin, Maningrida area traditional owner Eddie Mason from the Balachni clan said many Indigenous people felt locked out of decision making about where onshore gas projects will go.

"We're going to talk to the Government, to say that we don't want any fracking or mining on our country," he said.

A Garrawa elder from Borrooloola, Nancy McDinny, said the group would try to stop any fracking on her country.

"We don't want no fracking down at Borroloola area and we'd like the place to be really clear," she said.

They are taking advice on strategy from the New South Wales protest organisers Lock the Gate. 

Boudicca Cerese from Lock the Gate told the meeting the communities have the right "to say no to fracking, whether it be you mob out bush, whether it be the people in Katherine".