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Environment and Water | September 06, 2016

Gas – The Nationals position is clear - Letter to the Editor

The Nationals’ position regarding fracking in Victoria has always been very clear:

The Nationals will never support any activity that risks harm to our agricultural land, water supplies or environment.

The announcement to permanently ban all onshore unconventional gas in Victoria is not a new approach and follows The Nationals’ position announced in October last year.

The Labor Government has a terrible track record when it comes to fracking in country Victoria. It was Labor that approved 73 exploration permits and 23 fracking permits before any research or understanding of the impact on our environment and valuable water resources was known.

In Government, the National-Liberal Coalition introduced the moratorium on fracking and legislated to ban the use of harmful BTEX fracking chemicals.

I have heard first hand from many residents and landowners in my electorate who are very concerned and do not want to see fracking in our area.

I assure the Lowan electorate that The Nationals have always prioritised our land and water resources and we will continue to stand side-by-side with our farmers on this significant issue.

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

I look forward to seeing the details of the Government’s proposed legislation when it is released.

Emma Kealy

Member for Lowan