By John Van Klaveren
STATE government is gagging debate on fracking, Frack Free Geelong claims.
Spokesperson Chris Johnson said the group invited Lakes Oil chief Rob Annells to speak at a public meeting but he declined citing advice from the Government.
The incident suggested the Government was “pulling strings” to protect the gas industry, Ms Johnson said.
“The Victorian Government vets where onshore gas miners can speak and has alerted them not to speak at a public event in Geelong.
“We find it extremely disappointing that a community group that wants to show and discuss both sides of the fracking story hasn’t been able to do so.
“We felt it important that the community got both sides of this very controversial issue. Accordingly, we invited Lakes Oil CEO Mr Rob Annells to address our information evening.
“Lakes Oil holds Petroleum Exploration Permit 163 to drill for gas in this region, an area which stretches from Highton to the Surf Coast.
“In an email, Mr Annells’ secretary declined the invitation, explaining: “We have been alerted by the Victorian Government’s Primary Agency to speak at events that are only run by approved government bodies that provide controlled, open and impartial dialogue.”
Ms Johnson questioned the explanation.
“Who is protecting who in this onshore gas game and what is it they are afraid of?”
Ms Johnson said the meeting, with “well-respected” Diversitat cheif Michael Martinez as moderator, would encourage openness and impartiality.”
Mr Annells denied being gagged.
“That’s not terribly accurate. We could have chosen to attend if we wanted to,” he said.
“We were advised by the government to leave the public consultation process to them, so we have.”
Primary Agency facilitator Mick Maguire said the Government had gagged nobody.
“I’m not sure why that email has gone out but I think there’s been something lost in translation here,” Mr McGuire said.
“We’ve been running a series of open days around the state and meeting with key stakeholders including Friends of the Earth and Lock the Gate.
“Rob Annells offered to come to the open days to present but I suggested to him that we were more about gathering information than presenting it.
“All the key stakeholders have supported the process.”
