Local activists ‘welcome support for fracking ban’

Local activists have welcomed a report on Victoria’s fracking ban.
Frack Free Moriac’s Alison Marchant said the parliamentary committee report did not recommend lifting the moratorium.
She said Labor MPs Shaun Leane and Harriet Shing, Greens MP Samantha Dunn and Fishers and Shooters MP Daniel Young recommended that the State Government support the ban.
“They clearly stated that this industry, if allowed to go ahead, threatened the agriculture industry without any guarantees that water, the environment and communities will be protected.
“Shaun Leane made a passionate statement saying that the coalition’s support of a highly regulated industry was asking taxpayers to fund and resource an industry that taxpayers don’t want.
“This makes no sense and is a huge ask of the taxpayer purse.
“He also advocated that the money would be better spent on renewables that do have community support.”
The committee was divided on the issue, delivering four minority reports instead of a majority recommendation.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the reports reflected a range of views.
The existing moratorium would remain in place while the Government considered its response ahead of releasing a policy in the first half of 2016, she said.
“We recognise that communities and industry want certainty. We will prepare a response with full consideration of the economic, social and environmental impacts on Victorians.”
Greens energy spokesperson Ellen Sandell said Government MPs were divided on fracking, so the Premier must make a decision.
“Some Labor MPs have felt the pressure from the community and realised onshore gas is a bad idea, whereas other Labor MPs still want to go ahead with this dangerous industry,” Ms Sandell said.
“Premier Andrews now has a choice to make: will he side with pro-polluting, pro-gas Labor MPs in his party or will he listen to the community and the evidence which says we need a permanent ban?
“The Greens and the community are urging him to protect our farmland, water and environment and introduce a permanent ban on onshore gas.
“Victoria should be investing more in renewable energy, like solar and wind, not expanding the out-dated fossil fuel industry.”