THE Penola community is searching for reassurance the Limestone Coast’s future will not be tainted after the announcement of Beach Energy’s Haselgrove 3 conventional gas well’s location.
Beach Energy is standing by its decision to drill the well in state forestry land near the boundary of the famous Coonawarra wine district, saying it has a strong track record of protecting groundwater resources in its operations.
Concerned Penola farmer Karyn Prelc said the major issue within the community was the unknown surrounding the conventional gas well and what it could lead to in the future.
Ms Prelc said the community had yet to be informed and had not been confirmed if it would be a pathway to unconventional gas mining.
“Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis has openly not ruled out fracking in the future and each state, each political party and each council have a difference of opinion,” she said.
She said many people residing along Casterdon Road and its surroundings were fearful.
“Local residents are concerned this initial project may blow-out into mining and fracking within the Limestone Coast region,” Ms Prelc said.
She expressed her frustration in regard to politicians not taking a strong stance and ignoring concerns from members of the community.
“We want the politicians to listen to the people and base their decisions on environmental sustainability,” Ms Prelc said.
“The value of our rich agricultural area should far outweigh the profits mining generates.”
Beach Energy regional manager Glenn Toogood said as part of the exploration approval granted, they would use no more than two megalitres of groundwater.
“This is a minimal amount in comparison to the average 200,000ML of annual groundwater usage from the unconfined aquifer in the lower limestone coast prescribed wells area,” he said.
Mr Toogood said the well would be drilled to a planned depth of 3,900 metres, and would comprise layers of protective steel and cement casing installed across the major groundwater aquifers, including the Gambier Limestone and Dilwyn Formation.
“While these aquifers extend some 300 metres below the surface, the protective casing will be installed to approximately 900 metre, to provide added levels of protection,” he said.
Mr Toogood also said claims that drilling for gas would adversely impact aquifers were false.
“To provide assurances the operations will not affect aquifers, baseline groundwater monitoring will be undertaken in the area surrounding the well prior and post the well being drilled,” he said.
“Natural gas is an essential source of energy in the South East, and Beach is playing its part to ensure there is a competitive future supply of gas to assist industries and households facing rising energy costs.”
Ms Prelc said a meeting organised by community members will be held in Penola on July 24 and will include guest speakers to assist with the community making informed decisions on the topic.
She said the meeting would be the ideal opportunity for the community to learn the facts and make their own informed choice.
“I don’t think it is a time for emotion, I think it is a time for learning,” Ms Prelc said.
