THE Victorian government's moratorium on fracking has largely been welcomed.
Last week the government announced it would put all approvals for exploration licences, which included hydraulic fracturing or "fracking", on hold until a new national framework on the industry was introduced.
The government will also seek to strengthen resource policy and legislation to ensure better consideration of mixed land use issues during the application process for coal seam gas exploration activity.
State Resources Minister Michael O'Brien said the ban would avoid a situation in which applications might be approved now, only to be inconsistent with new standards to be set in the near future.
"It will ensure Victorians can have confidence that the strongest protections will apply to the regulation of onshore gas exploration while giving industry regulatory certainty," Mr O'Brien said.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomed the move but said more was needed.
Ultimately the VFF wants to see the States and Commonwealth work towards a national harmonised framework for CSG that strengthens farmers' rights and ensures no permanent off-site impacts.
It has called on the Victorian government to give farmers a right of veto over mining activities on their land, as well as allow landholders the right to sign off on rehabilitation plans alongside the secretary of the department.
The organisation also wants the 10 per cent cap on solatium payments (compensation for intangible values of land or assets) removed and the period in which claims can be made after rehabilitation increased from three years to five.
The VFF is also calling for the reinstatement of the mining development advisory committee.
Liberal Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay and Colac Otway Shire mayor Stephen Hart were quick to applaud the Baillieu Government's decision.
"A ban on the use of BTEX chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) in hydraulic fracturing in Victoria, a tightening of resource policy, and legislation more considerate of mixed land use, will largely feature in the new framework consultancy process," Mr Ramsay said.
"As a farmer and landholder I know the importance of preserving and enhancing the land and any exploration activity should be accompanied by impact statements prior to such activity."
The creation of the national harmonised framework for CSG will include a national consultation process, expected to be considered by State and Federal Energy and Resources Ministers in December.
