IN a national first, the Victorian Labor Government today announced a permanent ban on the exploration and development of all onshore unconventional gas in the state, including hydraulic fracturing and coal seam gas.
To be introduced to state parliament later this year, the ban forms part of the government’s response to the 2015 Parliamentary Inquiry into Onshore Unconventional Gas in Victoria and community concerns around fracking.
It will also legislate to extend the current moratorium on the exploration and development of conventional onshore gas until 30 June 2020, noting that fracking will remain banned.
Until the legislation is passed by parliament, the current moratorium on unconventional onshore gas exploration and development, which commenced in 2012, will remain in place.
Despite the parliamentary inquiry recommending in December 2015 that more research into unconventional gas and extraction processes was needed before a ban is imposed, Premier Daniel Andrews said the move would protect the ‘clean, green’ reputation of Victoria’s agriculture sector.
“Our farmers produce some of the world’s cleanest and freshest food. We won’t put that at risk with fracking,” the Premier said.
“Victorians have made it clear that they don’t support fracking and that the health and environmental risks involved outweigh any potential benefits.”
Exemptions to the ban will remain for other types of activities that are not covered by the current moratorium, such as gas storage, carbon storage research and accessing offshore resources. Exploration and development for offshore gas will also continue.
Premier Andrews said the government will undertake extensive scientific, technical and environmental studies in Australia on the risks, benefits and impacts of onshore gas.
The Victorian ban comes as a moratorium on hydraulic fracking in the Northern Territory looks increasingly likely following the Labor Party’s landslide election victory on the weekend.
Labor leader Michael Gunner has promised to introduce a moratorium on fracking until an independent review could be held.
AREEA will continue to advocate for the important role of gas exploration and extraction in creating direct and indirect job opportunities, and supporting the living standards of Australian communities.
