Darwin locals have long expressed worries about toxic chemicals released by the city’s two liquefied natural gas export plants. Some residents, particularly concerned about benzene, formed a community group and raised funds for independent air monitoring equipment.
Shortly afterward, the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority extended a permit for Santos to release toxic gases and volatile organic compounds, including benzene, for an additional 26 days annually. The company already holds approval for 36 such days.
Benzene exposure carries documented health risks, including cancer, respiratory issues, and effects on fetal development, with studies indicating no safe threshold. Australia has yet to establish a national exposure standard, despite earlier commitments.
The two facilities, run by Inpex and Santos, sit roughly 10 kilometers from central Darwin. The new group, Community Healthy Air Northern Territory, launched in mid-June and gathered over $100,000 for monitoring tools. The authority later announced plans for its own air quality network.
Residents view the permit extension as favoring industry interests. Past incidents include unreported leaks, underestimated emissions, and extended venting periods when pollution controls were inactive. Independent reviews identified major gaps in emissions calculations and reporting.
Government responses to these findings remain under review.
