Councils reject CSG

COUNCILS, residents, business and industry representatives descended on Sale last week to have a say on the polarising enquiry into unconventional gas.

The State Environment and Planning Committee sat for a two-day hearing to hear submissions made by people who could be affected by proposed unconventional gas – commonly known as ‘fracking’ – in South Gippsland and beyond.

South Gippsland Shire Council CEO Tim Tamlin was there and expressed concerns about the viability of unconventional gas extraction in South Gippsland.

“Specifically in Gippsland, we aren’t even sure there is unconventional gas to tap into,” he said.

“Nobody knows what it means for South Gippsland if we extract unconventional gas. We don’t know what damage could occur. Why would you want that?

“South Gippsland Shire Council supports the moratorium. We don’t want any mining activity to be decided upon until after the moratorium. The council doesn’t think there are enough safeguards in place.”

Mr Tamlin applauded Bass Coast Shire Cr Neil Rankine on his presentation.

“Cr Rankine provided a good overview of concerns for the community. His views paralleled ours in that with all the work going into renewable energy, it’s become a cheaper alternative. Why are we bothering to look at gas?” Mr Tamlin said.

Cr Rankine echoed these sentiments, stating, “Studies show people are moving away from gas. Do we seriously need this gas, with its serious risk for our farming prosperity in these areas?”

A major concern for both councils was the potential impact on the Gippsland environment. Representatives from Dairy Australia, Lakes Oil and Ignite Energy Resources also put forth presentations at the hearing to discuss potential impacts on local industries.

Ron Wangman of Leongatha South hearing was a good opportunity for the committee to hear varying points of view.

Mr Wangman has been collating research and supporting evidence in regards to the harmful dangers of unconventional gas, including contamination of waterways, environment and in turn, cattle and residents.

“Gippsland is known for being clean and green. Unconventional gas extraction poses the threat of cross-contamination and depleting ground water,” he said, citing contamination cases both in Australia and internationally where stock and farmers have suffered from water contamination.

Mr Tamlin and Cr Rankine conceded the protection of Gippsland’s environment was of the utmost importance.

“In our area, our environment is our economy,” Cr Rankine said.

Mr Tamlin agreed, saying, “We cannot afford to do any activity like this that might compromise our food bowl in Gippsland.”

The enquiry will gather submissions made at last week’s hearing and report to the State Government on December 1.

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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Jul 7 2015. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry