Australia's Petroleum Industry Body Asks Victorian Government to Lift Ban on Onshore Unconventional Gas Exploration

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) on Wednesday called on Victorian government to immediately remove ban on onshore gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing.

“Inquiry after inquiry has found that a properly regulated natural gas industry is safe and delivers real benefits to regional communities,” APPEA Chief Operating Officer Eastern Australia, Paul Fennelly said. “Further inaction or a continuation of polices that undermine the development of onshore gas projects, will only impose costs on the community, in jobs, economic growth and higher energy prices.”

Fennelly added that Australia’s long-established gas industry has the engineering know-how and expertise to safely produce this cleaner energy source under a sensible regulatory regime that manages risks, both real and perceived.

“Exploration bans must also be lifted immediately so companies can at least determine what gas resources may be available for commercial development,” he said.

In November 2013, the Victorian government announced moratorium on new exploration licences for onshore natural gas and on hydraulic fracturing would be extended until community consultation and independent water studies were carried out.