“Now is the perfect time for the Hodgman Government to introduce a permanent legislated ban on all unconventional gas exploration and development, including hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’)”, says Frack Free Tas Spokesperson and farmer, Brett Hall.
The Resources Legislation Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill 2016 passed through the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament without amendment yesterday afternoon. “The Bill permanently protects Victoria from the damaging effects experienced in Queensland and New South Wales from the unconventional gas industry, which I have seen firsthand”, commented Mr Hall.
“The Victorian Andrews Government has shown it can be done, that it is in the best interests of farming communities and would preserve the value of Tasmania’s clean green brand”, said Mr Hall The current moratorium, put in place by the Hodgman Government until 2020, does not provide certainty for our main industries such as farming and tourism which are reliant on our clean green brand, or the wider Tasmanian community.
There are no current exploration or commercial mining licences for unconventional gas in Tasmania – so it would inconvenience no one if the government implemented a permanent ban now.
One of the companies which had an exploration licence surrendered it in June 2016, citing in part the high public concern with regards to gas mining exploration in Tasmania as the reason.
Mr Hall stated, “Even the mining companies recognise Tasmanians don’t want fracking here. It is time our government listens and protects our soil, water, air, and clean and green brand with a permanent legislated ban on fracking.”
Brett Hall, Spokesperson Frack Free Tas
