MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell’s move to legislate a 10-year ban on fracking in the Limestone Coast has passed the state’s lower house due to Liberal Party support.
Despite previously indicating the existing ministerial directive was strong enough, the State Liberals yesterday indicated they would support the independent MP’s bill in State Parliament.
Yesterday morning, Mr Bell was joined by Member for MacKillop Nick McBride outside Parliament House as a group of anti-fracking protesters delivered a petition containing the signatures of more than 4000 residents in support of the ban.
Greens MLCs Tammy Franks and Mark Parnell, who in July had attempted to introduce an identical bill in the Legislative Council, were also in attendance.
Mr Bell said the bill passing the lower house was a big win for the South East.
“Over the last four years, I have had thousands of conversations with people about fracking, I have been to America twice on a well organised tour and that led to the bill being introduced,” he said.
“We passed a significant milestone today and for every resident, farmer and organisation that has contacted me across the last four years, this is a big win.
“Importantly, this legislation will give a solid platform for all industries – whether it’s fishing, farming or mining, to move ahead with certainty across the next decade.”
Speaking in support of the bill, Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said he recognised the important impact the legislative ban would have for the South East community.
“We have developed our policy with regard to the moratorium overwhelmingly because that is what the people of the South East wanted and that is why we delivered it,” he said.
“Overwhelmingly, the people of the South East want that commitment enshrined in legislation and while it will not have any direct impact on any operations in the South East, the government will support the member’s position on this bill.”
After the minister’s speech, Liberal MP Adrian Pederick questioned the definition of hydraulic fracturing and said a legislative ban on the practice was not necessary.
In opposing the bill, former Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis unleashed a scathing tirade on the “anti-industry” Marshall Government, claiming it had been “shamed” into the ban.
“The damage it does to industry is irreparable because 24 hours ago you had a different policy of an administrative ban, now it is a legislated ban,” he said.
“It has sent shockwaves through the mining industry of South Australia and the investment community.
“Everyone expected this from the Member for Mount Gambier – no one expected this from the government and it is appalling.”
However, Mr Bell countered Mr Koutsantonis’ claims, praising the State Government and Premier Steven Marshall and Mr McBride for listening to the overwhelming community concern about the practice.
“I personally want to thank Premier Steven Marshall for showing outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to the people of the South East,” he said.
“Nick McBride has been working very hard within the Liberal Party to make sure the voice of the South East is heard.”
