The Andrews Labor Government today received the final reports of the Environment and Planning Committee’s Parliamentary Inquiry into onshore unconventional gas in Victoria.
The Committee did not table a majority report. Tabled were four minority reports, reflecting a range of views.
The existing moratorium on onshore gas drilling, extraction and hydraulic fracturing will remain in place while the Government considers its response, with a gas policy to be announced in the first half of 2016.
Unlike the previous Liberal Government, the Labor Government made a commitment to have a thorough and considered inquiry into unconventional gas in Victoria, based on robust scientific evidence and proper community engagement.
The Inquiry received over 1800 submissions and public hearings were held throughout regional Victoria to ensure farmers, local councils, industry and communities could have their say on unconventional gas.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“We made a commitment in 2012 that Victorian communities would be heard in this debate and we have kept that promise.”
“We recognise that communities and industry want certainty – we will be preparing a response with full consideration of the economic, social and environmental impacts on Victorians.”
“We believe in proper process, robust scientific evidence and genuine community engagement, unlike the Liberals who make up policy on the run trying to win by-elections.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021