What the Durack candidates think about FRACKING
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To Frack Or Not To Frack, That Is The Question (with apologies to William Shakespeare).
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has polarised the Mid West community and that includes our Federal election candidates.
Everything Geraldton asked them four important questions:
1. Do you support local groups' efforts to stop fracking?
2. Are you prepared to vote against your party on the issue of fracking?
3. Do you support a moratorium on all gas fracking activity in WA subject to a thorough Environmental Protection Agency enquiry into the cumulative impacts the process would have on our state?
4. Do you believe the economic benefits to fracking outweigh the risks?
As might be expected, some follow their ‘party line’ and, in some cases, did not directly answer our questions.
We have chosen not to edit their responses, which makes this a long report, but one that we believe is worth reading in full by anyone concerned by this controversial issue.
Shane Foreman - Rise Up Australia Party
Do you support local groups' efforts to stop fracking?
I believe that the efforts of local groups to stop fracking in our region are fabulous. It is something to see when local people take up a purpose and are passionate about a cause.
Are you prepared to vote against your party on the issue of fracking?
Rise Up Australia Party is not supportive of the fracking process. There are too many unknowns about the process at the present time. There is an opinion that fracking is very damaging, and then other groups that say there is no danger from the process, but it is still unclear if the process is safe or not. Evidence from other locations around the world seems to indicate that it is not safe.
Do you support a moratorium on all gas fracking activity in WA subject to a thorough Environmental Protection Agency enquiry into the cumulative impacts the process would have on our state?
I support a moratorium in WA while there is uncertainty about the process, the long term effects and other potential short term damage that could occur. We need to have definitive understanding of either the damaging effects or the safety of the process. Ground water is a precious resource that we cannot afford to take any chances with.
Do you believe the economic benefits to fracking outweigh the risks?
I don’t think that economic benefits of any process can outweigh the risks of long term environmental destruction or harm to the people of this nation. Even though WA “may” be less damaging due to the nature of the rock here, the possibility of ground water contamination remains, and is perhaps the most unsettling issue of the whole process.
Melissa Price - Liberal Party
(Was supplied same questions.)
There is great potential for energy security and jobs in relation to developing our gas reserves. The Perth basin alone reportedly has enough reserve to cater for WA’s domestic gas needs for the next 140 years.
My understanding is that the issues facing the fracking industry in other countries do not exist here and that regulators such as the State’s Department of Mines and Petroleum are comfortable and very supportive of fracking.
However, I’m not an expert on this matter, and while I support jobs, private property rights and energy security, I can only do so if the science backs it up. I am unsure about the science behind fracking.
This month the State Government set up a parliamentary inquiry into the Implications for Western Australia of Hydraulic Fracturing for Unconventional Gas and I welcome that move.
The Committee resolved to inquire into and report on the implications for Western Australia of hydraulic fracturing for unconventional gas, including:
a) how hydraulic fracturing may impact on current and future uses of land;
b) the regulation of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process;
c) the use of ground water in the hydraulic fracturing process and the potential for recycling of produced water; and
d) the reclamation (rehabilitation) of land that has been hydraulically fractured.
I’m hopeful that we will have a much clearer picture once this committee finishes its work.
Daron Keogh – Australian Labor Party
Do you support local groups' efforts to stop fracking?
Federal Labor is committed to developing our gas resources in a safe and sustainable way. This will allow Australia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs in the home and in our industries. All mining projects in Australia must meet the relevant state and federal environmental laws.
Are you prepared to vote against your party on the issue of fracking?
I support Federal Labor’s position.
Do you support a moratorium on all gas fracking activity in WA subject to a thorough Environmental Protection Agency enquiry into the cumulative impacts the process would have on our state?
No. All mining projects in Australia must meet the relevant state and federal environmental laws. In addition, the fracking industry in Australia is subject to world’s best practice for the development of our resources. This approach ensures that natural gas from coal seams and shale, as well as tight gas, can be developed safely and sustainably. No toxic chemicals are used in the fracking process and fracturing fluid is comprised of approximately 99 per cent water and sand. The remaining compounds include additives found in common household products such as ice-cream, vinegar, swimming pool chemicals, soap and toothpaste. Our unique geology means that significant seismic activity related to natural gas developments does not occur.
Do you believe the economic benefits to fracking outweigh the risks?
Again, each case needs to be considered individually and meet all the relevant state and federal environmental laws. Approvals are based on rigorous scientific data. Where this information is not available, approvals will not be granted. That is why the Federal Labor Government established the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining (IESC) to provide scientific advice to decision makers on the impact that natural gas from coal seams and large coal mining developments may have on Australia's water resources. This initiative has been supported with $150 million in Commonwealth funding. Australia has reached a stage where it can call upon its communities to consider what its best renewable energy options are. We have a global responsibility to combat climate change and need action in that direction. I am comfortable that our state and federal environmental laws are working.
Ian James – The Greens
Do you support local groups' efforts to stop fracking?
Yes
Are you prepared to vote against your party on the issue of fracking?
No, My party is against fracking!
Do you support a moratorium on all gas fracking activity in WA subject to a thorough Environmental Protection Agency enquiry into the cumulative impacts the process would have on our state?
Yes
Do you believe the economic benefits to fracking outweigh the risks?
No
Shane Van Styn – National Party
Do you support local groups' efforts to stop fracking?
Yes. I support the right of farmers to say No to fracking on their properties and fully support the Lock the Gate movement.
Are you prepared to vote against your party on the issue of fracking?
Yes I am, should my party resolve to endorse fracking. I am on the record on ABC Kimberley, stating I am firmly against fracking in the Kimberley. I am the only candidate with this position to my knowledge.
Do you support a moratorium on all gas fracking activity in WA subject to a thorough Environmental Protection Agency enquiry into the cumulative impacts the process would have on our state?
I absolutely support a moratorium on fracking. The Nationals have been instrumental in establishing the Fracking Review Committee Parliamentary inquiry. I stand firmly against fracking no matter what the outcome of the inquiry.
Do you believe the economic benefits to fracking outweigh the risks?
I believe that there are significant economic detriments to fracking. Fracking the large onshore gas fields will result in a massive increase in gas supply, driving down the price of gas, making conventional gas projects much less financially viable. Projects such as Browse are already hard enough to get off the ground. Driving down the price of gas stands to do more economic harm than good. The risk of contaminated groundwater may well be low, however the consequence of contamination is absolutely extreme. Therefore on a balance of benefit approach I cannot support fracking.
The decision is left up to you, the electors of Durack.
By Gary Warner
