THE first of Beach Energy’s two public consultation sessions opened with relatively low attendance numbers at yesterday’s Penola event.
Beach Energy personnel, including engineering and geology experts, were in attendance at the all-day forum to discuss the company’s operations in the South East.
The regional gas giant has outlined plans to drill an additional gas well, Haselgrove-4, about 7km south of Penola in close proximity to the existing network of Haselgrove wells.
Beach will also undertake a conventional exploration project known as Dombey-1 about 20km north west of Penola.
The company has also started the engineering design for a new gas processing facility at the existing Katnook Gas Plant, expected to be complete by January 1, 2020.
Despite the new developments, Beach Energy regional manager Glenn Toogood said visitor numbers were lower than last year’s information sessions.
He said it was his belief the majority of the community was comfortable with Beach’s exploration activities in the region, with some information session attendees indicating support for conventional gas.
“People understand the role gas plays in the region, particularly in supporting industries such as Kimberly-Clark and the need for it,” he said.
“Also, a lot of people here are very familiar and comfortable with gas.
“Gas has been a big part of the region’s economy and industry over the last 50-odd years.
“There have been some great examples of gas co-existence with other industries in the region.”
Mr Toogood said the session predominately sought to dispel community concerns about hydraulic fracturing in the South East.
“We want to make it very clear we are a conventional-focused organisation in the South East,” he said.
“I think a lot of people are hearing media and parts of misinformation and are getting confused between what fracking and conventional gas exploration is.
“The forums are good as they provide an opportunity to dispel the differences between the two and our focuses in the South East region.”
Mr Toogood said attendees had raised concerns around the protection of groundwater resources, which the company will address in its upcoming environmental impact report.
The low attendance was also noted by the Limestone Coast Protection Alliance, which set up an information booth outside the John Riddoch Centre.
Alliance chair Angus Ralton said although numbers were low, most of the attendees had signed their petition urging the State Government to legislate a moratorium on fracking in the South East.
“It is great we have a lot of people signing the petition because it demonstrates we have broad support,” he said.
“We want people to be fully informed and get both sides of the story without bias.
“As long as Beach is here, we are here.”
