The Limestone Coast Protection Alliance and its supporters will be watching the newly elected Peter Malinauskas Labor Government like hawks to ensure its MPs remain committed to the fracking moratorium in the region.
Limestone Coast locals were alarmed during the election campaign following media reports of a leaked recording in which Mr Malinauskas criticised the Liberal Party over the fracking moratorium during a South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy function.
While the now Premier subsequently confirmed his party’s commitment to the fracking moratorium, Limestone Coast Protection Alliance president Angus Ralton said locals would be keeping up the pressure.
“We want to make sure South Australia’s newly elected Labor Government remains as committed to the fracking moratorium as the previous government,” Mr Ralton said.
“There is no place for fracking and industrial gasfields in our beautiful Limestone Coast region.”
The Alliance is also calling on Premier Malinauskas to protect the region from all fossil fuel projects, and to further encourage renewable energy projects in South Australia.
“Sadly, Beach Energy is right now undertaking massive seismic surveys, trying to exploit the region west of Penola for conventional gas,” he said.
“The gas Beach is hoping to find is a fossil fuel and it is driving the climate crisis. The smart money is on a just, equitable, and fast transition to renewable energy.
“Whether it is fracked gas or otherwise, the Limestone Coast doesn’t need nor want it. We want healthy communities and environments so we can grow and prosper sustainably.
“Gas is a fossil fuel that belongs in the past. Our future lies in renewables. The Limestone Coast Protection Alliance sincerely hopes the Malinauskas Government agrees.”