The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) applauded today’s state government decision to impose a five-year moratorium on fracking following a government review of its implications.
“The moratorium accords with the TFGA’s view that there has to be more research into fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, to determine its long-term implications, especially for the farmland that would be affected,” TFGA director Greg Bradfield said.
“That could jeopardise the reputation of Tasmanian agriculture.
“This is a sound, prudent decision. Why would you do anything to imperil one of our key economic pillars at a time when it has everything going for it?”
Mr Bradfield said the TFGA, in its submission to the review in December, argued strongly for the current moratorium, which expires at the end of March, to be extended for a considerable period to allow for a more extensive review.
“Five years is very sensible,” Mr Bradfield said. “The review should not only examine the science of fracking, the legacy issues of fracking but also the legal consequences of mining on private land.
“For farmers these were real issues, genuinely felt. That is why we commend the government on the decision it has made,” Mr Bradfield said.
• Kim Booth: Fracking Moratorium Extension Welcome, But Only a Ban Can Provide Certainty
• Andrew Wilkie: State Government should slam the door shut on fracking
• Frack Free Tas: Only a permanent ban will protect Tasmania
• Bryan Green: A political tactic
• Jon Sumby, in Comments: It will be interesting if a permanent ban is put in place at the end of this five year moratorium. The Trans Pacific Partnership is being negotiated between governments and corporations in secret – so secret that we, the citizens – won’t know what is in it until after it is signed. One thing that is known, via leaks, is that provisions that allow corporations to sue for lost profits if a government puts in place laws that stop a business plan going ahead. Laws like banning a substance because it is dangerous, or public health initiatives like plain packaging on tobacco products, or bans on mining. It is quite possible that if Tasmania bans fracking in five years or so, the government will be sued by the mining companies that are exploring here. Like in the below example from Canada. It would be better for Tasmania to ban fracking now, before the ISDS provisions are in force (if they are in the final TPP agreement), as afterwards we won’t be able to stop fracking by any legislative means.
SATURDAY …
• Andrew Wilkie: State Government should slam the door shut on fracking …
• Kim Booth: Greens to move for Permanent Fracking Ban
• Christine Milne: Tasmania needs a permanent ban on fracking
