THE VICTORIAN Farmers Federation (VFF) has called for the current moratorium on the exploration and extraction of onshore gas to be extended until at least 2020.
The VFF made the call at a Parliamentary inquiry in Melbourne.
“Our members’ greatest fear is that onshore gas developments could put at risk the state’s precious groundwater reserves,” VFF land management committee chairman Gerald Leach said.
“We ran an onshore gas survey that showed 47 per cent of VFF respondents identified water as their key concern in regard to the impacts of onshore gas extraction,” Mr Leach said.
“The fact is we don’t know enough about our groundwater reserves, their profiles, recharge processes and interactivity to know what impacts onshore gas drilling would have on our water.”
In 2010 the Victorian Auditor General’s Office found:
“Data gaps and the uncertainty about groundwater quality mean that DSE (the former Department of Sustainability and Environment) and water corporations cannot effectively monitor, plan and manage Victoria’s groundwater resources”.
“In addition to State Observation Bore Network coverage, the condition of bores is also problematic. Around 55 per cent of groundwater management units have key bores that are at risk of failure, in part due to their age”.
Mr Leach said the former Coalition Government responded to VAGO’s report by launching a review and investment program into the bore network, but the work had not been completed and more needed to be done.
“We also need to invest in understanding groundwater access at greater depths,” he said.
The VFF’s submission to be presented to Parliament also called for:
• Farmers to be given the right of veto on the extraction of onshore gas and mining on their land.
• Farmers must receive appropriate commercial payments for all mining and petroleum developments on their land.
• A stronger regulatory framework and safeguards to protect land and water.
• Rehabilitation of farm land and ongoing monitoring of abandoned wells & pipelines.
• The State Government to take responsibility for any long-term risks or damage, not covered by a mining or gas company.
• Re-establish the Mining Warden, to help resolve disputes over land access, compensation and rehabilitation of farm land.
• Farmers be given greater rights in regard to gas and mining companies entering their land.
“At the moment farmers have to consent to mining and gas companies entering their land or be forced into accepting a compensation agreement determined by VCAT (Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal),” Mr Leach said.
“Ultimately VFF members believe there is a lack of knowledge on the risks associated with unconventional gas mining, particularly on Victoria’s water resources. Given that uncertainty, the VFF believes a moratorium should remain in place until scientific evidence proves it’s safe.
Mr Leach said the VFF would continue to engage members on the contentious issue of onshore gas.
The VFF will be holding Member Forums on Onshore Gas on August 19 in Warrnambool and August 20 in Sale. To register for either of these events contact Emily Waters on 1300 882 833 or email ewaters@vff.org.au
Speakers include:
Monash University senior lecturer in environmental engineering Gavin Mudd.
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Chief Technical Officer Rick Wilkinson.