The Tasmanian Greens today were again disappointed with Resource Minister, Bryan Green’s, refusal to confirm whether a mining lease in the southern midlands would result in fracking if commercially viable quantities of oil or gas were discovered.
Greens Member for Lyons, Tim Morris MP, said that even the company applying for the exploration lease had publicly confirmed that if the lease did progress to production it would likely require fracking to access the resource.
“The community deserves a straight answer from Mr Green. There are people in the southern midlands monitoring this issue very closely, trying to determine what lies ahead for their communities,” said Mr Morrs.
“As the Minister responsible for Mining are we supposed to believe he has no idea about the likelihood of fracking occurring as a result of the company finding a viable resource?”
“The fact that Bryan Green will not admit that fracking will be the likely extraction process required for this lease is hard proof that he knows that the practice is unpopular and has significant risks associated with it.”
“This is Labor trying to avoid admitting that they are supporting a non-Tasmanian company against strong community sentiment.”
“Mr Green has the power to reject this license if he sees fit, but it is now obvious where his loyalties lie.”
“Labor and the Liberals are in lockstep on this issue. Neither party is showing any regard for the environment of the communities involved.”
“The Greens are not saying we can’t exploit any resource, just that there is no rush to exploit any potential resource as it will not go away; future generations will certainly thank us for leaving them some resources.”
“Since this lease went public, I have been spending time in the southern midlands communities and I am yet to come across anyone who does not have some concerns.”
“The Greens promise to stand by communities and continue to work towards achieving a moratorium on fracking,” Mr Morris said.
Tim Morris MP Greens Member for Lyons
