“New, competitively priced, gas discoveries are important to maintain Victoria’s advantage in providing secure, affordable energy. Victoria should consider its options for gas supply from all sources as existing gas reserves are forecast to be depleted by 2030-2040. However, we will be doing so in a careful and considered way, to make sure that any future developments protect the environment and can co-exist with communities and existing industries.”
This is how the Victorian government replies to the question “Is Victoria looking for new sources of natural gas supply?”
» See on: Natural Gas Community Information – Frequently asked questions
With this statement as the starting point, you may ask yourself if there is any point in engaging in the so-called “Public consultation” process which the government opened recently. As far as many of us are concerned, providing “secure, affordable energy” does not mean drilling for more gas. In our time it means putting up solar power plants and wind farms.
Even so, it is important that we engage in this consultation process. We must make our voices heard, we must express our concern. We must always try and educate the best we can why fracking is a wrong and stupid path to go down – even when we assume we aren’t going to be listened to anyway – but in this case, you’ll be doing fine if you simply say ‘no!’.
“Learn how you can get involved with the Victorian Government community and stakeholder consultation process regarding onshore natural gas in Victoria.”
You get involved by registering your interest (if you live in the Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine region, tick: Barwon South West) and thereby you are letting the government know that you would like to be kept informed about the meetings and workshops which are being organised.
Register your interest in being involved in the consultation. And keep it simple: just say ‘No!’
» Register here: www.naturalgasinfo.vic.gov.au/community-engagement/upcoming-events
» Home page: www.naturalgasinfo.vic.gov.au
» Some extra info here: http://www.foemelbourne.org.au/just_say_no
Media coverage
Environment and community groups have welcomed the new public consultation process about onshore so-called “natural gas” developments:
» Geelong Independent, page 3 – 1 May 2014:
Activists step up campaign as website launched: MPs feel fracking heat
Anti-fracking activists are pressuring local Liberal MPs as State Government seeks public input on possible coal seam gas projects. Article by Noel Murphy
» ABC News:
Public consultations about onshore natural gas
Report from Deans March and Surf Coast on 30 April 2014 (2 minutes on tv)
» Friends of the Earth:
Community consultation on gas welcomed
» Geelong Region Alliance:
Community urged to put views on gas exploration
Surf Coast Shire Council is encouraging local residents to get involved in the State Government’s community consultation process on unconventional gas exploration.
» Go to www.naturalgasinfo.vic.gov.au to get involved