Community groups are celebrating the news this week that Blue Energy gas permits in the Wide Bay Burnett region have expired and will not be renewed.
The Department of Natural Resources and Mines has informed Lock the Gate Alliance this week that the two Blue Energy gas permits that were due for renewal on the 31st December have expired, and will not be renewed.
A third permit will expire on 31st March and cannot be renewed.
It comes after more than five years of unwavering community opposition to Blue Energy fracking plans for the region.
Local canegrower Judy Plath said “This is a wonderful day for farmers in the region, who have worked very hard to highlight the severe risks that fracking would pose to our industry.
“Our community has shown incredible courage and determination to succeed against a shale gas industry that was hungry for our land and water
“We’re ecstatic that the region is soon to be free from all fracking permits, and we will be keeping up the pressure to make sure it stays that way” she said.
Vicki Perrin from Lock the Gate Alliance said “This outcome shows that unified communities have the power to defend themselves from gas fracking.
“Farmers, industry groups, Traditional Owners, tourism operators and town residents have all stood as one and put our sustainable industries and our environment above gas industry profits.
“We’re now calling on the Queensland Government to provide permanent protection for the region, to ensure there will no new proposals for gas fracking in the future in this region” she said.
The decision comes after the Butchulla Traditional Owners announced their unanimous opposition to fracking on country in the region late last year.
“This outcome is a testament to the strength and dedication of the Butchulla elders, who have led the way protecting country and putting land and water first” Ms Perrin said.