INDEPENDENT MP Troy Bell has hailed Premier Steven Marshall as an outstanding parliamentary performer in enacting a legislative 10-year ban on fracking in the South East.
The Member for Mount Gambier applauded the Liberal leader on his integrity and commitment to the region by strengthening the existing ministerial directed ban on fracking.
“Steven Marshall has demonstrated a strong commitment to the South East by listening to the concerns of the community and supporting my bill,” Mr Bell said.
“It demonstrates a great strength of character and strong leadership from Premier Marshall.
“To support a legislative moratorium, despite strong lobbying efforts by the mining industry is a big task and I applaud both Premier Marshall and the entire Liberal team for their efforts.”
The new act bans all hydraulic fracture stimulation in the South East region until 2018.
It is expected to become officially enshrined in legislation this week following the Governor’s assent.
The bill was initially introduced to the House of Assembly by Mr Bell, but was adopted by the State Government on its introduction to the Upper House.
Mr Bell described the legislating of his landmark Petroleum and Geothermal Energy (Ban on Hydraulic Fracturing) Amendment Bill as one of the “proudest moments” of his time as a member of Parliament.
“More than four years ago, I made a commitment that I would take this issue to State Parliament so this is a proud moment, both personally and professionally,” he said.
“This is a great outcome for the people of the South East and is a demonstration of people power at its best,” he said.
“The community told me they do not want fracking to occur in the South East and they felt strongly enough about it to sign petitions, send hundreds of emails and letters and attend rallies.
“You only have to look at the number of Lock the Gate signs around our district to see how strongly this issue has resonated with the community.
“The passing of this bill shows the region’s united voice has been heard at a state level.”
Kalangadoo farmer and environmentalist David Smith described the legislation as a “major achievement”.
“I’m both pleased and relieved,” he said.
“There has been a lot of hard work by a lot of people and I’d like to thank the MPs who supported the Bill,” he said.
Limestone Coast Protection Alliance chair Angus Ralton praised Mr Bell, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and the Liberal Party for bolstering the existing cabinet imposed moratorium.
Mr Ralton paid tribute to all community members involved in the “lengthy and sustained grassroots campaign” across the South East.
“This is a well deserved outcome for the community that has fought so hard,” he said.
“We are happy it has passed the Upper House with the support of the Liberal Party.
“They have listened to the community who said a ministerial directive was not strong enough.
“Thanks must go to our local independent MP, Troy Bell for moving this Bill and to Nick McBride for getting the Libs on board.”
While celebrating the victory, Mr Ralton expressed disappointment in senior shadow cabinet ministers Clare Scriven and Kyam Maher.
“It is sad to see the attitude of the State Labor Party towards the matter, particularly from our so-called local representatives,” alliance chair Angus Ralton said.
“For the Labor Party to be so blatantly ignorant and insist the ban is not based on science is an insult.
“We have the science, it is all science-based and the risks associated with fracking continue to be investigated.”
