The Guardian: Victorian election: Greens aim to capitalise on coal seam gas doubts
The Victorian government is claiming an Australian first – a web tool called Mining Licences Near Me, which will make it easier for people to find out whether a licence has been issued under their home or farm.
Environment and farming groups have welcomed the initiative, but acknowledge that the sensitivity around exploration licences focuses on one issue: whether an onshore unconventional gas industry will be allowed in Victoria.
Unconventional gas, also known as coal seam gas (CSG), tight gas, or shale gas, often requires hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The industry says it is safe with proper safeguards, while critics say it risks contaminating water tables and damaging prime agricultural land.
The Liberal, National and Labor parties are avoiding stating a clear position before next month’s election, leaving the Greens, which are unequivocally opposed, to gather support among regional and rural communities worried about the risks.