THE Limestone Coast Protection Alliance remains committed to a campaign against new gas exploration permits being issued in the Otway and Cooper basins, despite a setback recently.
The LCPA is a member of the Fossil Free SA coalition, made up of 12 environmental groups which are calling on South Australian councils to sign an open letter to state Premier Steven Marshall.
However, Wattle Range Council last week declined to sign the letter “at this stage”.
“It is disappointing from a starting standpoint,” LCPA chair Angus Ralton said.
“But on Monday Grant District got on board and we are hopeful City Council will sign.
“Given more time and more conversation with Wattle Range in the future we are committed to gaining their signature.”
During last week’s monthly meeting, alliance member Merilyn Paxton gave an impassioned address to council, but was met with mixed views from councillors.
Deputy Mayor Moira Neagle said she would like to tour existing gas wells in the region and further investigate the issue.
Cr Peter Dunnicliff said he was strongly opposed to signing the open letter.
“We should hear from others stakeholders and hear from both sides,” Cr Dunnicliff said.
Speaking to The Pennant yesterday, Mr Ralton said halting further gas exploration was needed to protect the region’s farming sector.
“I think it is important to note what a stop means for our region,” he said.
“It means backing our farmers and primary producers, those people in the region who are the backbone of our economy – the majority of people are either directly or indirectly connected with agriculture and their voices are not being heard.
“In the end the question needs to be asked of councillors ‘if we are mostly supported by agriculture, why are we not standing with them?'”
“Agriculture has delivered year after year for us – we are talking about something that has been around since the region was first settled in comparison to something that has been here for maybe 20 years.
“It is a flash in the pan compared to what farming has given us, we should not take that away.”
Mr Ralton praised the efforts of Member for MacKillop Nick McBride after he crossed the floor with Fraser Ellis, Dan Cregan and Steve Murray to vote down the contentious Mining Bill in Parliament recently.
They were also joined by independent MPs Troy Bell, Geoff Brock and Frances Bedford.
“It goes back to rights as a landholder and protecting our assets,” Mr Ralton said.
“We have been really grateful of the support from MPs like Nick McBride and Troy Bell, they have been very vocal in restoring rights to farmers.
“They are getting the ball rolling but it needs to keep going.”
Riddoch Ward Cr Rick Paltridge rejected claims by the alliance that drilling impacted primary producers, stating the drilling of the unproductive well on his farm in 1989 made no difference.
He described the letter as a noble gesture but said a reasonable alternative energy source should be offered.
“Base load power is needed,” Cr Paltridge said.
“Wattle Range Council must remain impartial.
“I look forward to a 100pc renewable energy future.”
Mr Ralton believed the “proof was in the pudding” when it came to the impact mining has on the region.
“What we are asking for is not a complete stop to gas and oil mining in the region,” Mr Ralton said.
“Existing wells and wells that are producing are not being shut down, we just do not want anymore to be drilled.
“We cannot afford to keep going down this road.
“We get report after report after report about what mining is doing in the region, we need to make a change.”
