VASSE MP Libby Mettam said she would stand up against the state government’s approval to explore shale gas and oil in the South West.
The state government announced the approval for Uncoventional Resource to explore areas around Bunbury, Capel, Donnybrook, Dardanup and Busselton for oil and gas resources on Wednesday.
Ms Mettam said she would not approve the decision if it was likely to “threaten the unique environmental, agricultural values or water supply of the region.”
Concerns were immediately raised by Busselton residents on social media who called on her to help to stop the exploration to go ahead.
“It is very important that the merits of any proposal to extract gas in the region are balanced with the high biodiversity, agricultural and tourism values of this area. I will not support a proposal which threatens this balance,” she said.
“The state government is committed to protecting South West water supplies, farming land, tourism assets and the environment.”
Department of Mines and Petroleum division executive director Jeff Hamworth said any application to undertake exploration activity is strictly regulated under WA’s multi-agency approvals process.
“The state’s approvals process includes the DMP and other government agencies which all consider environmental, health, water and safety regulatory requirements, and every activity is assessed on its own merits,” he said.
Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said it was “offensive” for the state government to downplay potential fracking in the region while lining up permits for exploration and she was sure it would receive immediate backlash from the community.
“The South West is enjoyed for its beautiful environment and as a prime agricultural and tourism region; these all come under threat with this prospect of fracking in the future,” Ms Siewert said.
“For the government to attempt to minimise panic by saying it’s not happening right now is ludicrous; these areas shouldn’t come under threat by Barnett’s big business mates.
"Fracking and drilling poses a significant threat with potential for land disturbance and a significant risk of contamination and disruption of groundwater systems.”
As part of the state’s approvals process, Unconventional Resources will be legally required to provide an environment plan that assesses any potential impact on the surroundings of the area.
Any plan that appears likely to have a significant impact on the environment must be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority for further assessment.
Under law, petroleum companies must also secure a land access agreement from farmers and land owners to conduct activity on their land.
For more information visit the DMP website at dmp.wa.gov.au
