Regarding MLA Mick Murray’s fracking ban - First, I wouldn’t trust a ‘fracking’ ban, as when the detail comes out, we will be told that the gas won’t be ‘fracked’, rather, other methods will be used to extract the gas. The gas industry would still continue.
Mick Murray even goes on to say, “Our conventional mining industries are able to be set up in such a way that they do not significantly impact our groundwater, forests or waterways, or our high value tourism and agriculture businesses.”
We know that ‘fracking’ is not the correct term for how gas is intended to be extracted in the South West. Using the term as he has, is misleading and deceptive.
The Greens policy is to restrict all gas extraction in the South West due to the potential damage to the communities and the environment.
The residents do not want this industry. It will not be a saviour for jobs. The industry will bring industrial-style development in farming and tourist based communities. Although the risk of water contamination may be small, it is an unnecessary risk to take at all.
The state does not need further gas resources in the South West. To maintain global warming below 2 degrees C, Australia must reduce our burning of fossil fuels, not increase it.
Much of our current known gas resources must remain in the ground if we are to have any chance of reaching our targets.
In addition, in order to address the imminent job losses in Collie following the government’s planned closures of coal fired power stations, we need to invest in renewable energy technology.
With regard to Labor’s announced $20m future fund, it just makes me wonder, How well could it go for workers in Collie if those funds were invested in the renewable energy industry, to put clean energy into the grid at Collie?
Australians have a wonderful knack for innovation. Let’s think beyond the next four years and come up with something that benefits us now and long into the future.
The infrastructure exists in Collie for energy transmission, a skilled workforce is available, and the ideas for renewable energy are plentiful.
Our only impediment, is a government stuck in a fossil fuel mentality.
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– Diane Evers
Greens candidate for the South West
