THE region was well represented on Adelaide’s North Terrace yesterday as Limestone Coast Protection Alliance members arrived in ramped up their campaign against fracking.
A busload of anti-fracking campaigners from across the region, including Mount Gambier and Kingston, travelled to hear the second reading and vote of Greens MLC Mark Parnell’s bill to legislate a 10-year ban on fracking in the South East.
The group was joined by Mr Parnell on the steps of Parliament House in opposition to hydraulic fracturing, capturing the attention of MPs and the public.
Also joining the group was member for Mackillop Nick McBride and Independent MP Troy Bell, whose bill seeking to ban fracking for 10 years is up for debate and a vote in September.
“This bill is nothing less than what the Liberal Party promised you before the state election,” Mr Parnell told the group.
“They said that if elected, they would introduce a moratorium on fracking in the South East for 10 years.
“It was very simple.
“There was no wriggle room, there were no ifs or buts – it was a clear promise.
“What we have seen is the Liberal Party reluctant to give effect to that promise by putting it in legislation.”
Mr Bell backed Mr Parnell’s comments, saying there was “nobody in the South East that believes a ministerial directive” is strong enough.
“A legislative ban cements the moratorium in legislation for a 10-year period,” he said.
“If there is another government that wants to change it, they will have to pass both houses of government to overturn that legislation.
“If for whatever reason it is not done today, the 5th of September when my bill is debated and voted upon in the lower house gives them a second opportunity.
“I encourage anybody from the South East on the defeat of today’s bill to write to Premier Steven Marshall and indicate their desire to have a 10-year ban legislated.
“It is no more and no less than what was promised before the election.”
Mr McBride, who has previously indicated he does support a legislative ban on fracking, shied away from commenting on the vote, which aimed to bolster his party’s existing moratorium.
The Liberal MP did however welcome the group attending parliament.
“It was good to see the local constituents come up from the Limestone Coast and support the bill in the Upper House to show there is support for legislation for a 10-year moratorium in the Limestone Coast,” he said.
“They have taken a lot of time out to be here today to represent the region and highlight to the parliament this issue is very important and should be strengthened.”
