Fracking ban delivers for the environment and communities

The Andrews Government’s decision to ban unconventional gas mining is a welcome and decisive step to protect Victoria’s natural environment, water resources and agricultural land.

Welcoming the unconventional gas ban, Environment Victoria CEO Mark Wakeham today said:

“This is a very positive decision from Premier Andrews and Resources Minister Noonan. The risk of irreversible environmental damage from unconventional gas mining is far too high and the prospect of fracking has been distressing for communities across the state.

“The decision recognises the widespread community opposition to fracking and gas extraction. Industrialisation of Victoria’s farmland would damage regional communities. Opening up an onshore gas industry would create long term pain for minimal, if any, short-term gain.”

“Today’s decision is a huge win for all those communities who declared themselves coal- and gas-field free. We thank the Premier and Minister Noonan for listening to these communities.

“The Andrews Government has committed to cutting Victoria’s climate pollution to zero by 2050 at the latest, so it simply doesn’t make sense to be giving the green light to new fossil fuel development.

“We hope this landmark decision today is an indication of the Andrews Government’s commitment to decarbonising our economy. This commitment will be needed as the state’s coal policy is finalised, the future of coal-burning power stations like Hazelwood is considered, and our 2020 pollution reduction target is set – all decisions due to be made this year.

“Today, however, we celebrate a strong and principled decision to rule out a damaging industry and congratulate the Andrews Government on its leadership. We also welcome the Coalition’s and the Greens’ support for a ban on unconventional gas and look forward to the ban being legislated in Parliament.