THE Tasmanian government has called for submissions as it reviews a possible resumption of the controversial mining practice of fracking.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The government imposed a 12-month moratorium on the practice when it came to office in March, but the ban does not apply to three exploration licences in place across the North.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff yesterday released the terms of reference for a review on the future of fracking.
"It will consider on one hand the potential use in Tasmania of fracking, including technology and processes, scientific evidence and best practice environmental and safety standards," he said.
"On the other, the review will examine the potential impacts on agriculture, groundwater and the broader Tasmanian environment."
Mr Rockliff said the review would also consider whether stronger protections were needed for landowners.
Fracking - or hydraulic fracturing - involves shooting water and chemicals at underground rock to release coal seam gas.
Greens Leader Kim Booth said the practice should not happen in the state.
"Nationally and internationally there is mounting evidence of serious problems inherent with coal seam gas production and fracking," he said.
"All this does is subject the local community to long-term pain for very little gain."
Submissions on the review are due on December 5, with the review to be completed by March.