AN hour-long documentary which explores Australian and American communities living side-by-side with the unconventional gas industry will be screened across the South East over the next two weeks.
Pipe Dreams Fractured Lives is an independent film self-funded by Kalangadoo farmer and environmentalist David Smith which focuses on the associated risks of hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Mr Smith said he organised the regional tour to highlight the issue due to Federal Government pressure being placed on states to overturn moratoriums on the controversial practice.
The nine-date regional tour starts at Kingston tonight and moves through Lucindale, Penola, Moorak, Kalangadoo, Tarpeena, Millicent, Beachport and Glencoe.
Pipe Dreams Fractured Lives – which runs for 67 minutes – has previously been shown at a number of other South East venues, including Mount Gambier, Coonawarra and Naracoorte.
Associated production costs have been entirely met by Mr Smith.
The beef and prime lamb producer told The South Eastern Times he was yet to recoup all these costs but said the subject matter was highly important.
Mr Smith said he was empowered to seek more answers about the unconventional gas industry after the former Labor State Government announced a policy which offered a 10pc share in royalties for farmers who had gas or petroleum extraction enterprises on their land.
“As a result of the government’s royalties decision and conscious of the potential damage to the South East, I decided to borrow $100,000 and travel to Queensland and America with a professional cameraman and journalist,” Mr Smith said.
“We interviewed both families impacted by unconventional gas as well as doctors and professors to hear their concerns.”
The movie debuted in Mount Gambier on February 7 with South East orthopedic surgeon Dr Barney McCusker stating it was “one of the most important documentaries you will ever see”.
It has since been shown in most mainland capital cities.
Mr Smith will hold a question and answer session following each South East screening.
Tickets are $10 at the door with free entry for youths under 18.
