Antinuclear

Victoria to ban fracking

Victorian fracking ban legislation to be in introduced, ABC News By Stephanie Anderson, 22 Nov 16  The Victorian Government will introduce legislation today to permanently ban fracking following what the Premier described as “one of the most amazing community campaigns” in Australian history.

Fracking is used to extract so-called unconventional gases such as coal seam, tight and shale gas by pumping high-pressure water and chemicals into rock, fracturing it to release trapped gases.

There has been fears the chemicals could contaminate groundwater supplies and threaten agricultural industries.

The Victorian Government held a parliamentary inquiry into unconventional gas industries and announced earlier this year it would bring in a permanent ban.

Premier Daniel Andrews said there was a strong community campaign against fracking and unconventional gas.

“This is a triumph of one of the most amazing community campaigns that our state and indeed our nation has ever seen,” Mr Andrews said.

“Local communities have put an elegant and articulate argument, and we have responded to that.”

Fracking occurs in all other states except the Northern Territory, with the most by far in Queensland.

Government to pay compensation to licence holders…… http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-22/fracking-permanently-banned-in-victoria/8045264

November 23, 2016 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, Victoria