Lock the Gate Alliance has warmly congratulated the Fraser Coast Council for passing a motion today stating that it does not support unconventional gas extraction within its boundaries.
Fraser Coast Councillor James Hansen put forward a motion which states:
“That the Fraser Coast Regional Council advise the Federal and State Governments that it does not support unconventional gas extraction within its boundaries, and the Council supports the rights of the landholders to do the same”.
The vote passed 10/1.
Vicki Perrin, Wide Bay Burnett coordinator for the Lock the Gate Alliance today welcomed the news and said, “This is a wonderful move from council and we applaud their courage and willingness to take a firm stance on this issue.
“Communities are very worried about the risks that proposed shale gasfields will bring, particularly the contamination risks of groundwater and the health of their communities.
“We now hope that the Bundaberg council will follow the lead of the Fraser Coast Council, review the evidence from the USA about the negative impacts of unconventional gas, speak to their local constituents and communities, and pass a similar resolution.
“Local Councils are important leaders in our communities and we will be calling on the state government to respect their vote today and take steps to make our region gasfield free.
“The ultimate goal of communities in the Wide Bay Burnett is to have legislation enacted in parliament that declares our region a no-go zone for all forms of unconventional gas mining” she said.