THE region’s largest environmental action group has “strongly endorsed” a political manoeuvre by Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell to have the 10-year gas fracking ban legislated.
Limestone Coast Protection Alliance has spoken out in support of the move despite prominent South East environmentalist Anne Daw calling for a blanket ban all gas mining activities in the South East.
Mr Bell’s private member’s bill is expected to be read in State Parliament in early July in an attempt to lock in a 10 year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
This comes as the Marshall Liberal Government is yet to commit to the moratorium being legislated.
“We can achieve every piece of the pie one at a time – this is a good first step we can build on further,” alliance chair Angus Ralton said.
While the alliance wanted to see a ban on gas mining activities, he said renewable energy projects were rising rapidly and the energy sector would look completely different in 10 years.
Speaking to The Border Watch, Mr Bell said he wanted to make it “clear” he supported conventional gas extraction in the region.
He said conventional gas mining had been undertaken in the region for a number of decades without any “adverse effects”.”With fracking, I believe the technology is unproven – we need a period of time to prove it is safe,” the Independent MP said.
He said the region’s economy needed a secure supply of gas not just for industry, but also households.
Mr Bell said he was uncertain if his bill would get over the line.
“I do not know if I will get enough support, but I do know the Labor Party will not support it,” Mr Bell said.
“But I have had some positive talks with the Liberal Party – I’m hoping the Liberal Party will do the right thing.
Mr Bell argued the moratorium must be enshrined in legislation to ensure its longevity.
While the State Government had directed the department to introduce the moratorium, he warned this could be overturned within cabinet or if there was a change of government in four years.
“So really, it could only be a four year ban. I am very hopeful the Liberal Party will support my bill.”
Ms Daw – who sits on a government oil and gas round table – said Mr Bell had tunnel vision in terms of just focusing on fracking.
“All gas mining should be banned in the region – it is not suitable for the geology of the South East,” she said.
She said conventional gas mining activities drilled 4km into the ground, which could pose problems given the region was home to aquifers and fault lines.
“Only having a fracking ban does not buy any certainty and assurance for the future of the South East.”
Beach Energy regional manager Glenn Toogood said the conventional gas industry had a long history in the South East with exploration dating back to the 1880s.
He said there were 100 wells scattered across the region and Beach had a “strong track record” of producing natural gas for the region and across the state.
Mr Toogood said the Katnook gas plant operated between 1991 and 2013.
He said there was no reason to place a moratorium on conventional gas production in the region.
Beach Energy has announced plans to explore for gas around 20km west of Penola.
The exact location for the Dombey well drilling project is yet to be announced.
This follows the company finding a commercial gas field at Haselgrove-3 south of Penola.
