Extending the current state fracking moratorium is a welcome recognition of its serious impacts, but a permanent ban is needed, Greens Leader and Mining spokesperson Kim Booth MP said today.
“The Greens have called for a permanent fracking ban, as while the Minister’s decision is welcome recognition that the community’s concerns are valid, short term moratoriums do not provide long term certainty or security,” Mr Booth said.
“A rolling moratorium just locks in ongoing uncertainty for our farmers and landholders, who will have to go through this all again in 2020.”
“Our agricultural sector, our waterways and environment all deserve long-term certainty, and the mining sector deserves the clarity which can only be achieved by a permanent ban on fracking.”
“Tasmania has the advantage of learning from the very real horror stories of interstate and international fracking experiences. The greedy short-term gain of foreign gas companies risks our fertile farming lands and aquifers whether now or in 2020.”
“France, Bulgaria, Germany, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Dallas, Nova Scotia have all banned fracking, and we will continue to campaign for Tasmania to implement the same fail-safe standard.”
“The Greens congratulate those many people across the community who have worked so hard to secure Tasmania’s Frack-free reputation beyond the one year moratorium’s March expiry date,” Mr Booth said.
Kim Booth MP | Greens Leader
