THE Tasmanian government has moved to extend its ban on fracking for another five years.
A one-year moratorium on fracking in Tasmania was implemented last year and was due to expire on March 31.
But the state’s Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government would impose a five-year moratorium into the mining practice of hydraulic fracturing to source coal seam gas, following a government review of its implications.
Mr Rockliff said there was considerable concern surrounding the negative impacts of fracking, particularly within rural and farming communities, who “rely so heavily on global reputation for producing premium and safe products”.
He also added there was concern for landowners' rights and public and environmental health.
The move has been welcomed by the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA).
“The moratorium accords with the TFGA’s view that there has to be more research into fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, to determine its long-term implications, especially for the farmland that would be affected,” TFGA director Greg Bradfield said.
“That could jeopardise the reputation of Tasmanian agriculture. This is a sound, prudent decision. Why would you do anything to imperil one of our key economic pillars at a time when it has everything going for it?”
Mr Bradfield said the TFGA, in its submission to the review in December, argued strongly for the current moratorium to be extended for a considerable period to allow for a more extensive review.
“The review should not only examine the science of fracking, the legacy issues of fracking but also the legal consequences of mining on private land,” he said.
“For farmers these were real issues, genuinely felt. That is why we commend the government on the decision it has made.”
