While Frack Free Tas Inc. welcomes the government’s announcement earlier today that the moratorium on fracking has been extended for a further five years, only a permanent ban will protect Tasmania.
Frack Free Tas is confident when the issues are thoroughly examined fracking will be permanently banned in Tasmania. Their rally to Ban Fracking in Tasmania will continue on Saturday 28th as planned.
Frack Free Tas spokesperson Shaun Thurstans, has commended Minister Rockliff’s comments that an extension is required to enable the issues of water use and potential contamination, landowner’s rights and compatibility with existing industries, particularly agriculture, to be the subject of more research.
“The threat the unconventional mining practise known as fracking represents to public health, the environment (including air, soil and water contamination) and Tasmania’s Clean Green image is too high”.
Frack Free Tas are extremely concerned that despite the moratorium, exploration for shale gas can still continue. Our view, is that, if Tasmanians are to be assured this is not just a policy whim, the moratorium needs to be a legislated ban. Tasmania’s reputation deserves nothing less.
This week, at the invitation of Frack Free Tas, mainlanders from gasfields in NSW and QLD have been meeting with state MPs and some local councils to tell of their experience of living with the pollution and disruption brought about by the fracking industry.
While Frack Free Tas applauds the governments actions in extending the moratorium on fracking, the rally on parliament lawns at 11:00am this Saturday 28th February will go ahead and the group will continue to push for a permanent ban. Speakers at the rally include Jeremy Buckingham, a mining activist, and David Quince, a NSW farmer campaigning against fracking in his region.
Frack Free Tas spokesperson Shaun Thurstans
