News

Agriculture Environment and Water | February 09, 2017

Kealy – The Nationals support fracking ban

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is proud the Coalition has continued their support for farmers as the Resources Legislation Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill 2016 passes Parliament this week.

The Resources Legislation Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill 2016 will pass through the lower house this week, banning hydraulic fracturing and placing a legislated moratorium on conventional onshore gas development until 30 June 2020.

“The Nationals support the ban on fracking and have always said we would never allow any activity that threatened our land and water resources,” Ms Kealy said.

“Fracking has never occurred under The Nationals and we have always supported measures to protect our farming future. The Labor Government was a late convert to this support for farmers.

“The previous Labor Government issued 23 fracking permits and 73 licences for unconventional gas exploration with zero consultation with our communities.

“By contrast the previous Liberal and Nationals Government introduced the moratorium on unconventional gas, banned the use of BTEX chemicals, undertook extensive community consultation and began work on technical studies to measure the status of our groundwater resources.

“Victoria’s agricultural industries are the lifeblood of our rural communities and are too valuable to jeopardise.

"I have heard first hand from many residents and landowners in the Lowan electorate who do not want to see fracking in our local area and I am proud to have put their views on the record in my Debate contribution yesterday,” she said.