Landowners might just Lock The Gate

The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Energy and Resources Minister to put a hold on the current application to explore for shale oil and gas in the southern midlands to allow a full assessment of the impacts on landholders.

Greens Member for Lyons, Tim Morris MP, said that it was disappointing that Labor, Liberal and PetraGas representatives all failed to front a meeting attended by 80 community members in Oatlands last night to discuss the issue.

“The turnout in Oatlands last night showed that residents are rightfully concerned about the possible implications that might flow from the issuance of this exploration licence,” said Mr Morris.

“On a cold, wet, Friday night in a small country town this meeting attracted a large crowd, all eager to know what this license may mean for their land and their community.”

“Organisers said PetraGas and members of the Labor and Liberal parties had not made the effort to attend the meeting and had therefore missed an opportunity to provide answers before the close of the consultation period next Friday.”

“It’s tough to make an informed decision when the people with important information don’t make the effort to talk to the community.”

“A representative from the Lock the Gate Alliance in Gippsland presented information about how those under threat in Victoria are fighting off advances from the gas mining industry and have been successful in getting the State Government to place a moratorium on the controversial practice of fracking.”

“Based on what I witnessed last night, I would not be surprised if we see a similar campaign develop here in Tasmania.”

“The Greens have a clear position in relation to the further development of the gas industry at present. Landholders must have the right to say no to explorers or miners coming onto their land if that is their wish.”

“There also must be a broader debate about how much of our hydrocarbon reserves Tasmania can burn whilst we accept our share of responsibly for managing global emissions.”
“If we are to prevent global warming making the planet uninhabitable we must stop exploiting further reserves of fossil fuels.”

“In its latest climate change report the World Bank has stated that even a 2 degree rise in average temperatures will leave millions trapped in poverty.”

“Tasmania is currently a responsible global citizen, relying almost solely on renewable energy to supply its domestic market. This contributes significantly to our brand and sinking invasive gas wells all up and down the Midlands will be a direct threat to our reputation as a producer of clean, green products.”

“The level of risk to our water, land and people from contamination is higher than we are prepared to accept at present.”

“The Greens put forward an amendment to the Mining Act just this year which would have places a moratorium on fracking in Tasmania, unfortunately Labor and the Liberals voted against this.”

“The Greens will stand strongly with landowners and the community on this issue.”

“The community should expect access to all the information they need before the close of public consultation and so far it appears that neither the Government nor the company holding the lease has made any attempt to liaise with communities,” Mr Morris said.