The Greens are calling on the state government to introduce a moratorium on fracking in Western Australia after news that Tasmania would extend its current ban for another five years.
WA Greens spokesperson for Mining and Petroleum Robin Chapple MLC said fracking was moving forward in Western Australia with very little assessment or understanding of what affects the mining practice might have on our land, water and air quality.
“Some of the evidence that’s coming out of New South Wales and Victoria, and especially from America, about fracking is damning,” he said.
“You’ve got methane gas leaking on the surface, contaminated drinking water through the pumping of dangerous chemical and hydrocarbons under the water table, millions of litres of contaminated water that must be disposed of, mass land clearing and destruction of native vegetation and potential links to seismic activity.
“There are now entire counties in the USA that resemble desolate, barren wastelands; totally uninhabitable.
“The potential long-term effects of fracking for WA are extremely hard to measure which is why it is essential that we learn from other states, and countries, that have allowed this practice on a large scale."
Mr Chapple said WA must follow Tasmania’s example and place a moratorium on the practice.
“Right now, the fledgling industry has very little regulation in Western Australia,” he said.
“In many cases there has been no environmental assessment or approvals process and the companies involved are only required to pay 50% of the royalty rate.
“This is utterly unacceptable and I call on the state government to step into line with Tasmania."
For comment please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.
Media liaison: Tim Oliver
Mobile: 0431 9696 25
