A permanent ban on fracking and other forms of unconventional gas exploration is a victory for Victorian farmers.
Not only that, but we have also secured an extension of the moratorium on conventional gas development until June 2020.
The state government should be commended for showing leadership.
The VFF has long called for a ban on all forms of onshore gas development until more research has been conducted to show the true environmental impacts of this form of mining.
As we know, Victoria has precious groundwater reserves.
And without hard scientific evidence to prove the risks of onshore gas development can be properly managed, those reserves shouldn’t be put at risk.
To understand the concerns facing farmers, it’s important to understand the two types of onshore gas exploration.
Unconventional gas refers to an underground source of natural gas found in the layers of three types of rock structures – coal seams, tight rocks and shale rocks – which can be extracted by high pressure pumping of water, sand and sometimes chemicals to release the gas.
Conventional gas usually involves drilling directly into gas trapped in porous rocks, which is released without the need for high pressure pumping or fracking.
Because we still don’t know the true impact of onshore gas exploration, it’s a relief to see the government commit to undertaking extensive scientific, technical and environmental studies before lifting the moratorium currently in place.
The VFF conducted a survey last year that revealed our members’ greatest concern was the potential for cross-contamination of aquifers as a result of drilling for gas.
Others feared it would cause financial or environmental harm.
We need answers on the impacts of onshore gas on aquifers.
Who monitors the wells after the gas reserves are exhausted, to ensure the concrete lining doesn’t crack and lead to saline aquifers cross-contaminating fresh ones?
Victoria is Australia’s biggest food and fibre exporter.
In 2015, the value of our agricultural exports exceeded $11 billion.
We cannot afford to risk our reputation for the sake of some short-term gains from the gas industry.
