WA Labor plans to ban fracking in the South West, but will not ban the drilling technique in other areas such as the Kimberley and the Mid West where it has been undertaken.
WA Labor plans to ban fracking in the South West, but will not ban the drilling technique in other areas such as the Kimberley and the Mid West where it has been undertaken.
WA Labor leader Mark McGowan announced the ban today, following a campaign led by Collie MP Mick Murray to protect the area's unique biodiversity.
Mr McGowan said the community had been vocal in its opposition to fracking and the party had responded.
"These measures will put to bed the fracking issue in the South West," he said.
"Under a McGowan Labor government, fracking will be banned in the South West, the Peel region and the Perth metropolitan area."
Mr Murray said the unique natural environment of the South West was a major drawcard for tourism and should be protected from fracking.
"We want people from all over the world to visit the South West and make the most of everything it has to offer - from food to wine, to forests and waterways," he said.
"It's vital that this unique environment is protected at all costs."
The only gas project in the South West that could be affected is the Whicher Range, located south of Busselton, however majority owner CalEnergy Resources says it has not and will not use fracking in the region.
Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia chief executive Reg Howard-Smith labelled Mr McGowan’s comments as short-sighted and said the Labor leader was purely playing a game of political point scoring.
“Mark McGowan’s announcement today that Labor will not permit hydraulic fracturing in the South West, Peel and Perth metropolitan region is a quick way of silencing the activists at the expense of future growth,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“Onshore gas companies with leases in the South West have no plans to utilise the hydraulic fracturing process in the region.
“The South West is rich in resources including mineral sands, alumina, coal and lithium and it should not be forgotten the sector is a major contributor to the local economy.
“Concerns around hydraulic fracturing are unjustified and should not blight the resources sector’s long and illustrious history operating in the region.”
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association chief executive Malcolm Roberts also shot down Mr McGowan’s plan, saying it was more about short-term politics than good policy in the public interest.
“There is no environmental or public health and safety justification to ban hydraulic fracking,” Dr Roberts said.
“That is not just the opinion of the industry which has been safely using the technique in WA since 1958 - it is the considered view of every reputable, independent scientific inquiry into fracking.
“Contrary to dishonest fear campaigns by activists, fracking does not threaten water supplies.
“There has been no proven case of an aquifer being contaminated by fracking and the WA Health Department says the process can be undertaken without compromising drinking water supplies.
“At a time when the Western Australian economy is struggling and unemployment is rising, it is disappointing to see WA Labor choose short-term politics over regional jobs and investment.”
Dr Roberts said WA, as a resources state, depended on its good reputation to attract investment to develop its natural resources.
“Gas is absolutely vital to its economy - as a high value export and as the major source of energy for local homes and businesses,” he said.
“Labor aspires to govern the state but, in this case, it has chosen to ignore sound science and good policy.”
