Despite Federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan's calls to "get on with the job", Northern Territory will wait until next year to make a decision on lifting its moratorium on fracking.

The NT government will wait for the final report from the Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing, which released its draft report this week.  It specified 120 recommendations which must be implemented in full to "reduce the risk to an acceptable level".  The final report is due in March.

Critics of NT's decision believe fracking is necessary to alleviate the East Coast Gas shortage and bring down prices, which the federal government blamed on supply, despite high proportions of Australian gas being exported. 

But environmental and indigenous groups agree with the fracking ban.  The Lock the Gate Alliance says the draft report bolsters concerns that "fracking gasfields come with a myriad of risks that would put an incredible burden on the territory".

"Recommendations for mining reform will not be enough to protect Territory land, water and livelihoods from fracking gasfield impacts," said national coordinator Naomi Hogan.  "Communities and landholders will now redouble efforts to ensure our parliamentary leaders understand and act on the risks identified through this report," she added.