2016-11-30
Introduction
This minority report reflects my views in relation to submissions received by a broad range of community members, individual industries, environment groups, peak bodies and industry groups as part of the Inquiry into Onshore Unconventional Gas in Victoria. As detailed in the final report, the committee received 1,862 published submissions and participated in multiple public hearings across the state.
It must be noted that the recommendations contained in the final report are made without prejudice as part the work of the Environment and Planning Committee members in responding to the Inquiry and in my view should no way be considered as a recommendation for this industry to proceed in Victoria.
The findings
It was disappointing that the committee could not reach a consensus, nor a majority decision, when considering either a permanent ban on unconventional gas exploration and extraction against a counter position of extending the current moratorium.
It is my view a permanent ban on unconventional gas exploration and extraction would ensure the protection of Victoria’s environment, agriculture and water supply as well as public health.
Further it is my view that the only way to provide certainty across the range of stakeholders, including community, primary producers and industry, is to secure a permanent ban on the exploration and extraction of unconventional gas in Victoria.
It was unfortunate that the committee was not resourced to visit other states in Australia, it would have been useful to hear first hand the views of other communities who have already experienced the impact of unconventional gas activities.
The committee heard from concerned community members across the state, both at public hearings and via written submissions. At the time of writing this minority report, 69 towns across Victoria have declared themselves Gasfield Free. The public hearings revealed the enormous amount of stress communities were feeling at the prospect of an unconventional gas industry in their region. The depth of concern was profound and the amount of time community members have dedicated to the issue, being strong advocates for the protection of rural and regional Victoria, was immense.
The committee heard extensively from Victoria’s primary producers, agri-tourism and tourism sectors, both at public hearings and through written submissions. A consistent theme of their submissions was the risk to productive farmland and water supply, the impact of industrialised landscapes and reputational risk of Victoria as a clean and green primary producer. The final report elaborates on these submissions.
The committee heard substantial evidence on the energy market and Victoria’s energy future. Unconventional gas is not a renewable source of energy, it is polluting, contributes to climate change, and is not required as a fuel to transition between fossil fuels and renewables. Victoria doesn’t need an unconventional gas industry in Victoria to provide employment. Supporting and growing our renewables industry would provide more jobs that are future-proofed and lead to greater long-term employment growth in Victoria. A permanent ban on unconventional gas activities would also ensure that fugitive emissions would not be a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
The lack of scientific knowledge around the full extent of risk was alarming as were the ongoing gaps revealed when examining current regulatory frameworks. The hearings and submissions highlighted the need for much further work to properly understand all the risks associated with unconventional gas activities, whether that be around public health, environment, air, aquifers, water supply, soil, subsidence, economic impact, climate change, biodiversity, land productivity, agricultural industries, traditional owners and our communities.
It is my view that the risks posed by unconventional gas exploration or extraction are far too great to be managed by regulation and that those risks are far outweighed by any perceived or real benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, given the evidence presented to the Committee by the wide range of stakeholders, from farmer, to township group, to industry and advocacy groups alike, I am of the opinion that unconventional gas, including coal seam gas, tight gas and shale gas, poses an unacceptable threat to Victoria’s farmland and communities and that this threat cannot be mitigated through regulation.
I would like to thank the Chair and members of the committee for allowing me to be an active participant even if we weren’t able to come to a consensus position on the key recommendation. I would also like to thank my colleague, Ms Colleen Hartland MLC for her contribution as a participating member when I was absent. I would also like to thank the Committee Secretariat for their tireless efforts in supporting the Committee Inquiry and in preparing the Final Report in what has been an enormous task with few resources.
Samantha Dunn MLC
Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region
30 November 2015