Antinuclear

Australian news, and some related international items

Victorian govt to ban unconventional gas exploration – fracking and CSG extraction

Victoria-sunny.psdVictorian unconventional gas exploration ban to end fracking and CSG extraction, ABC News, 30 Aug 16  The Victorian Government is introducing legislation to permanently ban exploration and development of unconventional gas in the state, including coal seam gas and fracking.

Key points:

  • Legislation will permanently ban development, production of all unconventional gas in Victoria
  • Moratorium on conventional gas extraction to be extended until 2020
  • Government says ban will protect Victoria’s agriculture sector

The legislation — the first of its kind in Australia — will be introduced into State Parliament later this year.

Premier Daniel Andrew said the ban would protect the reputation of Victoria’s agriculture sector and alleviate farmers’ concerns about environmental and health risks associated with hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking.

“We’ve listened to the community and we’re making a decision that puts farmers and our clean, green brand first,” he said.

The legislation will also extend the moratorium on conventional onshore gas until 2020, but offshore gas exploration and development will continue.

The Government said the decision, which responds to a parliamentary inquiry, acknowledged the risks involved outweighed any potential benefits……..http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-30/victoria-to-ban-csg-fracking-and-unconventional-gas-exploration/7796944

August 31, 2016 - Posted by | environment, politics, Victoria

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