Legislative fracking ban achieved in South-West, Peel and Perth

Statewide moratorium on fracking while enquiry is being held
Date: Friday, 08 December 2017

The State Government gazetted today a Legislative fracking ban achieved in South-West, Peel and Perth.

A moratorium on fracking anywhere in the State will be imposed while a scientific inquiry is conducted, with the outcome deciding the future of fracking in Western Australia.

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Executive Director Petroleum Jeff Haworth said the inquiry will seek input from the Western Australian community.

“Community members and interest groups with concerns will be able to put their views to the inquiry, and the State Government will consider these views to form a final decision on the future of fracking in Western Australia,” he said.

The inquiry is expected to be completed within 12 months.

The fracking ban in the South West, Peel and Perth regions is already in place by Ministerial direction to each petroleum title holder to prohibit fracking under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967.

“These regulations reinforce those directions,” Mr Haworth said.