AS BEACH Energy prepares to undertake its Haselgrove-4 drilling project targeting conventional gas stores, the Limestone Coast Protection Alliance (LCPA) remains opposed to mining industries in the South East.
The newest gas well forms part of Beach’s Otway Basin production system with sister sites Haselgrove-3, Dombey-1 and the Katnook gas plant all located in the South East.
With drilling equipment now standing in place, alliance member Cate Cooper has reignited discussion around what she claims are significant health and wellbeing threats associated with gas production in the Limestone Coast.
“There are not only global, but also significant regional threats associated with gas production – there are real dangers to our communities and our food and water supplies,” she said.
“Much evidence has been found to show that living near gas mining operations is linked to significant risks including measurable differences in birth outcomes.
“Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) research on the potentially harmful substances emitted into the atmosphere during the gas production process – water removal, gas production and processing, wastewater handling and transport – has revealed compounds that negatively affect the body’s hormones.
“DEA has taken the position that no new gas developments should occur in Australia – the Limestone Coast Protection Alliance is ideologically supportive of this position.”
Ms Cooper claimed wind data from Mount Gambier Airport also indicated potential pollutants from gas wells south of Penola would blow over the township and the Coonawarra district.
“Producing gas in the Limestone Coast will have a substantial effect on Australian and global emissions targets,” Ms Cooper said.
“Yes, burning gas emits less carbon dioxide than burning coal, yet the fugitive emissions – the methane that escapes during production, distribution and combustion of gas – is a much more potent short-term greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.”
Ms Cooper encouraged Limestone Coast residents to research the impacts of fossil fuels on the environment.
Beach Energy has vowed to continue its open dialogue with residents, encouraging people to visit its Church Street office in Penola.
