Surf Coast Community Column

Welcome to the second Surf Coast Community Column written by Councillors, David Bell, Libby Coker, Rose Hodge and Margot Smith. This week we focus on a national first, the permanent banning of unconventional gas exploration or ‘fracking’ across the State of Victoria.

Last week, Surf Coast Councillors joined Victorian Resources Minister, MP, Wade Noonan, anti-fracking advocate and Surf Coast Citizen of the Year, Alison Marchant, and importantly, passionate members of the anti-fracking community, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of this historic decision.

The legislation was passed by the Andrews Government in 2016 but across the Surf Coast, our opposition to hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ began much earlier. It started with concern about the environmental, social and legal implications of fracking and resulted in a tidal wave of yellow triangular lock the gate signs at the entrance to a growing number of rural and coastal properties. Then anti-fracking community groups started up in places such as Moriac, Deans Marsh and Torquay, backed by a social media campaign and a tide of community sentiment opposing fracking in a region that was still identified for potential unconventional gas exploration.

So, in 2013, Cr Margot Smith put a motion urging the State Government to extend the moratorium. This was passed. Then we took the next step, advocating, via resolution that fracking be permanently banned in Victoria. This has now taken place. It is good to know that in a democracy, the community can drive change – change for the better.