Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC has today criticized the Barnett-Grylls Government State Agreement with Energy Companies Buru and Mitsubishi Corporation saying the move would commit the State to continuing the destructive practice of fracking and the release of huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels.
“By the Premier’s own admission, the main beneficiaries of the Agreement will be the mining companies exporting iron ore, alumina, base metals and gold,” Mr Chapple said.
“I am deeply disturbed at his constant deal-making with mining companies and his scant regard for the natural environment and Indigenous heritage, which have already been compromised as a result of the careless actions of Buru and Mitsubishi.”
“It seems the Premier is especially keen to give a hand to magnetite production in the Pilbara and Mid-West.
“Mr Barnett likes to refer to the Canning Basin fossil fuel as ‘natural’ gas but nothing could be further from the truth.
“There is nothing natural about fracking deep below the earth’s surface to release the unconventional gas trapped below.
Mr Chapple did however welcome the Premier’s statement that the Canning Basin gas would be piped to the Pilbara, rather than the Kimberley, for processing before being sent further afield.
“I remain concerned at the Premier’s cavalier attitude when it comes to doing deals on the State’s resources, which are finite.
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255
