Anti-frackers celebrate one-year ban

ANTI-fracking supporters celebrated the one-year anniversary of Victoria’s ban on the practice at a gathering in Freshwater Creek on Thursday.

The event at The Farmer’s Place was held a little over a year after the state government’s decision to permanently ban the exploration and development of all onshore unconventional gas, including fracking and coal seam gas.

Victorian Resources Minister Wade Noonan was at the event, along with Geelong MP Christine Couzens, the chief executive officer and councillors from the Surf Coast Shire, and representatives from anti-fracking groups from as far away as Portland and Warrnambool.

Frack Free Moriac’s Alison Marchant – a leading figure in organising the community campaign – said the event was a celebration of “a really momentous decision”.

“It was a big deal, it’s still a big deal, and I think a world-leading decision; we’re so fortunate that we had a government that was willing to listen to the community.”

Mr Noonan said the response against fracking was “a grassroots community campaign like no other”.

“The very clear and strong messages that came through over and over again were simple: anything that in any way compromises the environment in regional communities compromises the economy, and that’s why this issue mattered so much.”

He said there was “a level of pressure” being applied from the federal government about gas in Victoria, so communities had to remain vigilant.

“I don’t think you should have to win this fight twice.”