Support for Fracking Ban Bill

Frack Free Tas welcomes the tabling of a Bill in Parliament today by Greens Leader and Primary Industries spokesperson, Kim Booth, seeking to establish a permanent ban on hydraulic fracturing – fracking – in Tasmania.

“Until very recently, few Tasmanians had even heard of fracking. Despite this, more than 2,500 have signed a petition, calling for a permanent ban, tabled in the Upper House this week.”, said Frack-Free Tas member, Shaun Thurstans.

“It is clear Tasmanians expect their government to act to protect our State’s clean image, our environment and our health from this toxic and dangerous mining practice.”Mr Thurstans said

“The Greens have acted on this expectation by introducing the Mineral Resources Development (Hydraulic Fracturing) Amendment Bill 2015.”

While Frack-Free Tas was pleased the Hodgman government extended the moratorium on fracking for a further five years, they believe the practice needs to be halted permanently through legislation.

“Tasmania deserves the certainty of a legislated, permanent end to the possibility of unconventional mining. Leaving aside the enormous issue of its impact on health, the key industries that are essential for our future – including agriculture and tourism – cannot prosper with the threat of fracking hanging over them,” said Brett Hall, Farmer and Frack Free Tas member.

“The risks to Tasmania’s reputation, its water supplies and its people, are too great to be dependent on the whim of an easily-reversed policy.” Mr Hall added.

“Money runs away from the uncertainty. The unconventional mining industry causes uncertainty for industries which rely on our clean, green image – such as farming and tourism. Both are industries which employ many times more Tasmanians than the gas industry would, and which are sustainable in the long term,” said Mr Thurstans.
Shaun Thurstans, Brett Hall