INDEPENDENT Troy Bell is “ecstatic” a moratorium on fracking in the South East will be implemented in the first week of a State Liberal Government.
The embargo on unconventional gas exploration in the South East is among a suite of policy and legislative initiatives outlined in Premier Steven Marshall’s first 100 days of office document.
The moratorium is expected to be delivered within seven days.
Mr Bell, who will be declared Member for Mount Gambier on March 26, thanked his former Liberal colleagues for honouring the pre-election pledge.
“It took me a long time to get that through and to see it now coming to being enforced is very pleasing,” he said.
“I think it gives us an assurance that no fracking can occur for 10 years and it gives people of the South East peace of mind that we have a solid position.”
Mr Bell said while there were “things we will sort out” in relation to the implementation, he reaffirmed his commitment to the decade-long ban.
“Whatever the mechanics of it are, people can rest assured there will be no fracking down here in the next 10 years,” he said.
“I’m happy to deliver for the people of the South East – hopefully this is the first of many good announcements coming our way.”
Liberal Nick McBride supported Mr Bell’s comments, saying the prompt move to implement the moratorium demonstrated the party’s commitment to the regions.
“This provides the community with the assurance the Liberal Party and Premier Steven Marshall are wasting no time to make sure promises are being kept,” he said.
“It also addresses the community’s fears and provides an assurance to existing businesses to continue to grow and create jobs.”
Limestone Coast Protection Alliance committee member Merilyn Paxton welcomed the immediate implementation of the moratorium, congratulating Mr Bell, Mr McBride and Premier Marshall for their support.
She added although a moratorium was a positive step, the environmental lobby group would continue to push for a legislative ban on the practice.
“We’re really looking forward to the moratorium being put in place but at this stage, it is just a verbal promise,” she said.
“We would still like the State Government to put in place a total ban on any gas exploration or development in the Limestone Coast and Otway Basin.
“The Federal Government has been deeply critical of states and territories that have imposed fracking bans or moratoriums.
“With the Council of Australian Governments meeting taking place in April, we will monitor it closely to see if the outcome of that meeting will change any plans for the moratorium.”
A State Government spokesperson did not detail when the moratorium would be imposed, but did say it would be a “priority”.
“By protecting our precious water resources in the South East it will encourage existing businesses to continue to grow and create more jobs,” the spokesperson said.
