Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Mining spokesperson
The Victorian Government has listened to strong community concern over fracking and coal seam gas exploration, and is set to introduce a permanent ban on these unsustainable mining practices.
The pending ban is based on, ‘the best available evidence and acknowledges that the risks involved outweigh any potential benefits to Victoria.’
It is time the Tasmanian Government did the same. There is little to no support for fracking in Tasmania. It is also anathema to our clean, green and natural brand that underpins the State’s agricultural and tourism sectors.
Victoria’s Premier has shown leadership. He has listened to the community and applied an evidence-based policy approach.
Premier Hodgman can show the same leadership and move to protect agricultural land and water supplies as well as our visitor economy.
Earlier this year, 400 homes were surveyed in the Southern Midlands municipality. The survey found 99.5% of residents confirmed they didn't want to live in an industrialised gas field.
We commend the residents of Baden, Stonor, Parattah, Whiteford, Tunnack, Mt Seymour, Levendale and Woodsdale for the declaration of 'gasfield free' status. They joined 379 districts across Australia that have declared themselves 'frack free' communities.
They must be heard. There is no place for fracking in Tasmania.