Fracking in WA

Greens Appeal ‘irresponsible’ EPA decision not to assess Buru fracking proposal

Date: 

Tue, 28/01/2014

Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Hon Robin Chapple MLC has appealed the decision by the Environmental Planning Authority not to assess the 2014 shale gas fracking program proposed to be conducted by Buru Energy at four locations in the Kimberley.

The program targets two wells on Roebuck Plains, about 80km from Broome, and two that are located in the Fitzroy River catchment between Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.

“Apart from one well that was hydraulically fractured in 2010, the practice of fracking is entirely new to the Kimberley, and locals are understandably nervous,” Mr Chapple said.

“In other parts of the world, governments large and small (e.g. France, Pennsylvania USA, South Africa, and our own state of Victoria) have either placed moratoria on fracking or banned it altogether, yet our environmental protection agency has seen fit to allow the proposal to pass without so much as a backwards glance.

“There is plenty to be concerned about: fracking chemicals that Buru is proposing to use are toxic and hazardous to human health and the environment, or they are untested in this environment.

“The WA Departments of Water and Health have cautioned against contamination of drinking water caused by fracking.

“On the other hand, the Department of Mines and Petroleum and WA’s Premier for Big Business are quite gung-ho about the proposal and can’t see what all the fuss is about!

“Thankfully, State Parliament has taken quite a different approach and last year convened a Committee of Inquiry into the Implications for WA of Hydraulic Fracturing for Unconventional Gas. More than 100 submissions have been received and hearings will commence next week,” Mr Chapple said.

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255

Greens Support Water Corporation on No Fraccing

Date: 

Thu, 19/12/2013

Robin Chapple MLC, Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region and Greens WA spokesperson on Climate Change and Energy, is in support of the Water Corporation’s statement released yesterday against fraccing.

‘I am absolutely astounded at the Barnett Government’s continued dogged pursuit of fraccing and the unashamed attempt of  WA’s monopoly water provider to keep silent on the dangers of fraccing on our drinking water,’ said Mr Chapple.

‘The Water Corporation knows of the risks to communities like Derby, where they are proposing to drill through the town’s water supplies, using chemicals that can cause contamination. So why do it?’ questioned Mr Chapple.

‘The Liberal-National Government should not put public health at risk and any decision to undertake fraccing comes at a huge social, financial and ecological cost to WA,’ said Mr Chapple.

The Greens have an Energy 2029 Plan that explains why Australia should invest in the next generation of clean, affordable energy infrastructure.

Energy 2029 plan: http://www.greenswa.net.au/energy2029

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255

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