The last current licence for petroleum exploration in Tasmania expired late last month but there are no signs that fracking will be permanently banned in the state.
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In 2015, the state government placed a five-year moratorium on fracking within Tasmania.
The process of fracking – or hydraulic fracturing – involves a high-pressured injection of liquid into underground rocks to extract substances such as oil and gas.
Frack Free Tas used the expiration of Terra Tasmania Pty Ltd’s Northern Midlands licence to call for the state government to ban fracking in the state altogether.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government would continue with its moratorium, which is in place until 2020.
The five-year moratorium was introduced following a review, which drew more than 150 submissions, and carried on from a one-year ban into the practice.
“During the moratorium the Government is continuing to monitor developments in policy, scientific understanding of fracking practices, environmental and public health issues and energy and market developments,” Mr Rockliff said of the five-year moratorium.
The practice is under similar legislation in other states.
One of the concerns held by fracking’s opponents is the impact it will have on the farming industry.
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association welcomed last year’s moratorium.
TFGA president Wayne Johnston said the association stuck by its support for the moratorium.
“We don’t think there needs to be a ban on anything at the moment,” Mr Johnston said.
“We need to keep our options open. Once you ban anything it is hard to go back.”
Frack Free Tas president Shaun Thurstans said permanently banning fracking in Tasmania would help to “reinforce the clean and natural brand that underpins so much of Tasmania’s economy and lifestyle”.
