Unconventional Gas

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (14:58): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government representing the absent Minister for Water a question on the subject of unconventional gas exploration and mining on the groundwater resources of the South-East of South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL: Last Friday, I met with a number of South-East regional mayors and elected local government members in Mount Gambier to hear their concerns about energy companies operating in their region and, in particular, the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for unconventional gas.

The overwhelming concern expressed by local communities has been around the impact of gas activities on groundwater, including the potential for both depletion and contamination of groundwater resources which are used for domestic stock and irrigation purposes. As a consequence, the following councils have called for action by the state government and this parliament:

The District Council of Robe wants a two-year moratorium on fracking, as does the City of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Grant;

The Tatiara District Council wants a parliamentary inquiry, as does the Kingston District Council;

Wattle Range Council wants tougher federal and state controls including landholder rights to exclude gas companies from their land; and

Naracoorte Lucindale Council is still debating whether to call for a moratorium or even a complete ban on unconventional gas.

I acknowledge the work of the South East Local Government Association (SELGA) in facilitating debate in their communities. This is a huge issue in the South-East. My questions to the minister are:

1. Will the minister undertake to meet with local communities in the South-East to hear their concerns directly about the impact of gas mining on their communities?

2. As minister responsible for the Natural Resources Management Act, will the minister uphold the objects of the act, which include safeguarding the life-supporting capacities of natural resources such as groundwater?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:01): I thank the honourable member for his questions and I will refer them to the Minister for Water. I am confident that he will bring back a response expeditiously.