By PETER DOUGLAS
THE Victorian Government will soon make a decision on a return to unconventional gas exploration within the state.
But a group of Hills residents say a provisional moratorium that presently disallows further exploration, along with the practice of fracking, should remain in place.
About 50 concerned citizens gathered at the iconic Puffing Billy trestle bridge on Sunday, 28 February, to express their concerns, particularly with fracking.
Fracking is a process through which chemicals are injected into natural fractures in the Earth, in order to open up gas supplies.
The process has been the subject of much controversy, due to concerns the practice can contaminate surrounding groundwater.
Protestor Jaxon Barnes said the group felt compelled to speak out.
“We’re here to say that we don’t want it anywhere in Victoria,” he said.
“Here in the Dandenongs, we appreciate the importance of having a pristine environment.
“We live among protected areas and our economy relies on national parks and the natural environment.”
In August 2012, the Victorian Government introduced a state-wide moratorium on the unconventional gas sector.
But the moratorium is set for review, which may greatly affect the Gippsland and Otway basins.
In particular, tight gas has been located in Seaspray in Gippsland.
Mr Barnes said much hinged on the government’s decision.
“We may not have exploration licences directly over our area, but our underground water is interconnected,” he said.
“We eat food from across the state.
“We don’t want it in our backyard, we don’t want it in anyone’s backyard.”
Mr Barnes said he was deeply concerned about the toxic legacy this generation was leaving for their children.
“We understand local member (Monbulk) James Merlino will have a big say on whether huge swathes of Victoria will become fracked,” he said.
“We want him to know, we want a ban.”
