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NT Government Launches Inquiry Into Impacts Of Fracking. Why Not Victoria?Yesterday, the Northern Territory government announced it will hold an inquiry into hydraulic fracturing and its potential environmental effects as a result of sustained public concern about the practice. By Cam Walker - 21st February 2014 - Back to News Here in Victoria, the Coalition government has twice voted against proposals by the ALP to initiate a state inquiry into the industry.
"Instead, the Victorian government has sat on the fence and opted for a 'solution' that has pleased no one" said Cam Walker, Friends of the Earth campaigns co-ordinator.
"The government has implemented a moratorium on fracking and ban on the use of BTEX chemicals. This is a great start.
"Yet exploration drilling and land access negotiations continue, and residents in Seaspray are currently organising against planned drilling by Lakes Oil. The threat of potential drilling continues to build stress on land owners and anger in communities.
"New Upper House Liberal member for Eastern Victoria, Andrew Ronalds, has thrown fuel on the fire of community concern by declaring that Gippsland should develop coal export ‘opportunities’. With the current fire still raging at Hazelood, this is a spectacularly bad time to be announcing such a policy agenda. New ‘greenfield’ coal development will be just as unpopular as coal seam gas and Tight gas. Sadly, some in the Coalition have not yet understood this fact.
"Judging by statements made by the NT Minister for the Environment, Peter Chandler, the NT inquiry may not be adequately independent. But Victoria could initiate a truly independent, public and transparent inquiry which would deliver a scientifically robust result about the likely impacts of an unconventional gas industry on the land, water and communities of Victoria, as well as food production and climate emissions. While the inquiry is underway there should be a halt on all drilling activity and land access negotiations.
"The only thing lacking is political will.
"This issue will not go away. With a state election on the horizon, Denis Napthine would be wise to follow the NT's lead and establish an inquiry into the unconventional gas and new coal industry.
Further comment
Cam Walker 0419 338 047
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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