LIBERAL candidate for MacKillop Nick McBride has sought to reassure unconventional gas opponents a Marshall Government will not be swayed by its Federal counterparts on fracking in the South East.
The political hopeful came under scrutiny at last week’s Limestone Coast Protection Alliance MacKillop candidate forum, with attendees querying the longevity of the Liberal Party’s moratorium amid the Turnbull Government’s pressure on state governments to ease restrictions.
Fielding a question from the floor, Mr McBride said if elected as the third Member for MacKillop, he would not be influenced by state or federal governments to back down from the 10-year embargo on unconventional gas exploration.
“The moratorium we have actually come up with as a policy was actually developed by rural Liberal MPs,” he said.
“They have all got together as a bloc and said we want a moratorium in the South East.
“To suggest we’ll be dominated by city-centric Liberal MPs, or the Federal Government on something like the moratorium, or something like the fact we’ll miss out because we’re a safe seat, I’m hoping it’s gone by the wayside.
“I’m hoping as rural MPs, we will have the ability to look after the regions like they have never been looked after before.
Mr McBride, who is well poised to be elected after the March 17 poll amid a current 26.9pc Liberal-held margin, said the moratorium would continue to exist “while there is no social licence to do so”.
“The Liberal Party is very happy with their position on a 10-year moratorium based on a social licence,” he said.
“As time goes by if the community so desires, and the social licence changes and fracking is seen as an option, then I think the Liberal Party would consider what happens after the 10-year moratorium.”
