In the upcoming episode of Four Corners, the spotlight turns to the emerging cotton industry in Australia’s Northern Territory and the controversies surrounding it. The episode, titled “Water Grab,” airs on ABC Australia and streams on ABC iview on Monday, 19 August 2024, at 8:30 pm.
Reporter Angus Grigg’s investigation uncovers a system riddled with conflicts of interest. The Northern Territory government is actively promoting the cultivation of cotton, considering it a potential “silver bullet” industry for the region. However, this push for development comes at a potential cost to some of the NT’s iconic tourism destinations and the interests of traditional owners.
As the industry expands, concerns arise regarding the impact on the delicate ecological balance of the region. Grigg’s report asks if a balance can be struck between economic aspirations and environmental preservation, with particular attention to water usage and the rights of traditional owners.
Four Corners: Water Grab airs on ABC Australia and ABC iview on Monday, 19 August 2024, at 8:30 pm, and stream it afterward on ABC iview.
