Western Australia revokes fracking ban on existing projects

The Western Australian Government has lifted the existing moratorium regarding fracking on existing onshore petroleum titles following an independent scientific inquiry.

Despite this decision, operators need to seek approval from traditional owners and farmers before starting production.

The move comes after an independent scientific panel submitted its findings to the government in September following consultations with various stakeholders over a one-year period.

In the report, the panel stated that the risk posed by fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is low and can be further reduced through regulation.

However, the government’s move is limited to only existing titles and fracking will not be allowed across 98% of the state.

Fracking will continue to be prohibited across South-West, Peel and Perth metropolitan region, as well as all national parks, Dampier Peninsula and public water source areas.

Hydraulic fracturing involves high-pressure liquid injections into subterranean rocks in order to extract oil or gas. This technique has been opposed by communities and environmentalists over fears of water contamination.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said: “We’ve delivered our election promise to ban fracking in Perth, Peel and the South-West, and now we’re introducing new world-class strict controls to regulate the industry in other parts of the State, following the findings of an independent scientific inquiry.

“Banning fracking on existing petroleum titles after the scientific inquiry found the risk from fracking is low, would undermine Western Australia’s reputation as a safe place to invest and do business.

“This is a balanced and responsible policy that supports economic opportunity, new jobs, environmental protection and landowner rights.”

In light of the 44 recommendations made by the independent scientific panel, the government has incorporated certain regulatory changes, including a ban on fracking within 2km of towns, settlements or residents, and gazetted public drinking water source areas; and a rule that requires companies to complete EPA assessment for all fracking projects.

In April, Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) Government lifted a temporary ban on fracking following an independent committee report.

The move allowed companies to carry out fracking activities in 51% of the territory as the technique has caused disagreements between oil and gas companies and environmentalists.

In the UK, exploration firm Cuadrilla Resources had to suspend fracking operations at its Lancashire site after a 2.3 magnitude Earth tremor on the Fylde coast in 2011. The UK Government imposed a temporary ban on the technique after a study disclosed that the tremor was probably caused by shale gas test drilling.

The company started production only earlier this month after years of protests and court battles with environmentalists.