The Petroni report also found the industrial development at Middle Arm would have significant climate and health impacts, including increasing air pollution and cancer risk several times over [7]. According to a 2020 review of 16 epidemiological studies, communities living within 5km of petrochemical facilities had a 30% higher chance of developing leukaemia [8]. 

These risks increase dramatically for young people. Studies have shown that children living near gas operations in the US have higher rates of low birth weight, birth defects, childhood cancers, and respiratory conditions [9]. Palmerston is just 3km away from Middle Arm, with more than half the population aged under 29 [10].

In Darwin, almost 50 medical specialists have raised the alarm on the Middle Arm Gas Hub, delivering a joint letter to the NT government.