Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has mixed views on fracking, with each state and territory governing its own regulations. In 2018, the Northern Territory lifted its ban on fracking, but other states such as Victoria have completely opposed onshore gas exploration. Tasmania has a moratorium on fracking in place until 2025, and New South Wales has applied certain restrictions. While there is no official federal stance on fracking, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been accused of pushing for the practice. This article will explore the varying stances on fracking across Australia and the impact of these decisions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States/territories where fracking is banned | Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia (except for existing petroleum exploration and production titles), South Australia (in one region) |
| States/territories where fracking was previously banned but has been lifted | Northern Territory, Queensland |
| States/territories with restrictions or moratoriums on fracking | New South Wales |
| Federal government stance | No official stance, but Prime Minister Scott Morrison is "pro-fracking" |
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What You'll Learn
Victoria bans fracking
Victoria has taken a strong stance against fracking, becoming the first state in Australia to permanently ban onshore unconventional gas exploration and development in 2017. This ban includes fracking, coal seam gas (CSG), and other forms of unconventional gas extraction. The decision was made after considering the potential environmental and community impacts of these activities.
The Victorian Labor Government, led by the Andrews administration, has listened to the concerns of farmers and regional communities and taken steps to protect the state's natural resources and industries. The ban on fracking was initially introduced as a temporary moratorium in 2017, but it was later made permanent and enshrined in the state's Constitution through the Constitution Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill 2020. This move aimed to safeguard Victoria's regions from the environmental and social risks associated with fracking.
Victoria's ban on fracking is a significant step towards addressing climate concerns and reducing the state's carbon footprint. Fracking has been widely criticised for its environmental impacts, including the large quantity of water used and its potential effects on groundwater and pollution. By banning fracking, Victoria is prioritising the protection of water resources and minimising the risks associated with the release of chemicals and other fluids during the extraction process.
However, the decision to ban fracking has also sparked debate and controversy. Some companies in the gas industry, such as Lakes Oil, have strongly opposed the ban and sought to overturn it through legal action. They argue that the ban impacts their business operations and have claimed damages for past expenditures. Additionally, the Victorian government's decision to lift the ban on conventional onshore gas exploration while maintaining the fracking ban has been met with mixed reactions. While it is seen as a more environmentally friendly option, there are still risks associated with extracting conventional gas, including fugitive emissions of greenhouse gases.
Overall, Victoria's ban on fracking showcases the state's commitment to balancing economic interests with environmental protection and community concerns. By taking this stance, Victoria has become a leader in Australia's transition towards renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
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Tasmania moratorium
Tasmania has a moratorium on fracking in place until March 2025. The moratorium was first introduced in 2014 and was extended in 2018. The Tasmanian government will not permit fracking for the purposes of hydrocarbon resource extraction, including shale gas and petroleum. The government supports exploration activities for hydrocarbons, but fracking will not be allowed during the exploration, development, or production phases of a resource project.
The Tasmanian government is taking a cautious approach to the potential use of fracking in the state. During the moratorium period, the government will consult with stakeholders and monitor developments in national and international policy relating to fracking, scientific understanding of fracking and industry practices in other jurisdictions, and environmental and public health issues relating to fracking. A review into the practice of fracking will be conducted before the moratorium expires.
There are concerns about the potential negative consequences of fracking on Tasmania's agricultural industries, branding, markets, public and environmental health, community cohesion, and landowner engagement. Tasmania has a reputation for producing clean, safe, and premium food and agricultural products, and fracking could pose a risk to this reputation. The potential unconventional hydrocarbon resources in Tasmania are believed to reside in the southern central areas of the Tasmanian Basin, which overlaps with important agricultural areas.
The Tasmanian government's decision to extend the moratorium on fracking is in line with the state's commitment to protecting its agricultural industry and maintaining its reputation for producing premium fresh produce.
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NSW restrictions
While New South Wales (NSW) does permit unconventional exploration, the state government considers itself to have the "toughest" regulations in Australia – particularly in relation to coal seam gas (CSG).
In 2014, the NSW government, facing pressure from environmentalists and farmers, froze new CSG exploration licences and introduced exclusion zones, making residential areas in 152 local government areas of the state, including Sydney, "off-limits" to new CSG activity.
In 2017, NSW applied certain restrictions on fracking. While the state does not have a moratorium or ban on fracking, it has implemented measures to regulate the practice. These restrictions include stringent environmental impact assessments and community consultation requirements that operators must adhere to before commencing any fracking projects.
The NSW government has also established buffer zones around residential areas and other sensitive locations, prohibiting fracking activities within these designated zones. Additionally, the government has imposed strict water management plans to address the water-intensive nature of fracking and mitigate potential impacts on water resources.
The NSW government's approach aims to balance the state's energy needs and economic considerations with environmental protection and community concerns. By implementing these restrictions, NSW seeks to address the risks associated with fracking while still allowing for the exploration and development of unconventional gas resources.
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South Australia's ban
Australia has mixed views on fracking, with each state and territory governing its own regulations. In 2018, the Northern Territory lifted its ban on fracking, allowing the practice on more than half of its land mass. However, South Australia has taken a different approach by imposing a ban on fracking in certain regions.
In South Australia, a newly-elected centre-right government has committed to banning fracking in the state's gas-rich southeast. This decision is a response to the growing number of jurisdictions implementing moratoriums on fracking. The ban aims to address the environmental, social, and economic concerns associated with the practice.
The state's ban on fracking in the southeast is significant because the region is known for its abundant natural gas resources. By enforcing this ban, South Australia is prioritising the potential risks and impacts of fracking over the economic benefits of exploiting these resources. This decision aligns with the sentiments of environmentalists and community members who have expressed opposition to fracking.
However, it is important to note that South Australia's ban on fracking is limited to a specific region within the state. The state has not implemented a complete ban on fracking and has allowed the practice to continue in other areas. This partial ban reflects a cautious approach, balancing the potential benefits of fracking with the risks associated with environmental harm and community opposition.
South Australia's decision to ban fracking in its southeast region sets a precedent for other jurisdictions to consider implementing similar measures. It highlights the importance of evaluating the potential risks and impacts of fracking on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the unique characteristics and concerns of each region.
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Northern Territory lifts ban
Australia has mixed views on fracking, with each state and territory governing its own regulations. In April 2018, the Northern Territory government announced that it would lift its ban on fracking, allowing gas exploration across 51% of the territory's land mass. This decision has been controversial, with many Territorians believing that fracking threatens water supplies and will adversely impact the environment, land, and public health. Environmental groups and scientists have pressured the government to maintain the moratorium, arguing that the risks associated with fracking are too high.
The Northern Territory's decision to lift the ban on fracking was influenced by an inquiry that concluded the environmental, social, and economic risks of the extraction process were manageable. Chief Minister Michael Gunner stated that the industry would create jobs and bring economic opportunities, with strict new laws and regulations in place to protect areas such as national parks, conservation areas, and indigenous protected areas. However, critics argue that the decision is a betrayal of the science and the community's opposition to fracking.
The lifting of the fracking ban in the Northern Territory has raised industry hopes for pushing Australia towards energy self-sufficiency. Companies such as Origin Energy Ltd and Empire Energy Group Ltd have resumed plans to drill and frack shale gas fields in the region. The broader market has also responded positively to the lifting of the ban, with shares in energy companies rising.
While the Northern Territory has lifted its ban on fracking, other states and territories in Australia have taken a more cautious approach. Victoria became the first state to permanently ban fracking on land in 2017, and other states such as New South Wales, Tasmania, and Western Australia have introduced moratoriums or restrictions on the practice. The federal government, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, has been accused of pressuring states to accept fracking by threatening to cut their GST distribution if they opposed.
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Frequently asked questions
Victoria was the first state to ban fracking in 2017, followed by Tasmania and Western Australia, which imposed moratoriums on fracking. In 2018, the Northern Territory lifted its ban on fracking. Queensland has never banned fracking.
Fracking has been banned in some Australian states due to environmental concerns, including the quantity of water used and its potential effects on groundwater and pollution.
Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", is a method of extracting fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, and oil from deep underground. It involves drilling into the earth and injecting a combination of water, sand, and chemicals to break up rocks and release gas or oil.
Fracking is a controversial topic in Australia due to its potential environmental, social, and economic risks. 96 leading Australian scientists and experts have called for a ban on fracking in the Northern Territory due to its potential impact on the climate, with Professor Matthew England stating that "Opening up new fossil fuel extraction projects of this scale is at odds with the government’s plan for net zero by 2050."
