Following an announcement by the Victorian premier yesterday that the state would introduce a permanent ban on fracking, Frack Free Tas is calling for the Tasmanian government to follow suit.
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Legislation will be introduced into Victorian parliament later this year to ban unconventional mining practices, like fracking and coal seam gas, after a parliamentary inquiry into the practice found extensive community opposition to the practices.
Frack Free Tas president Shaun Thurstans said the release of the inquiry's findings mean it is game over for fracking in Tasmania.
Mr Thurstans said refusing a permanent ban jeopardises Tasmania’s clean green image. He thinks it could be an opportunity for the government.
“This can be a positive move by the Tasmanian government. Lets see now the Victorian agricultural sector pick up productivity through their confidence that their water is secure,” he said. “This is something that the Tasmanian government can do to show they support where our economy is moving to.”
There is currently a five year moratorium on fracking in Tasmania. But exploration licenses have still been granted for the state.
The government would not say whether it would move to ban fracking permanently. “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,” Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said.