Australia’s oil and gas industry body APPEA has called on an inquiry into unconventional gas in the state of Victoria to support ‘sensible policies’.
The move comes after a fracking moratorium was introduced in the region three years ago.
The APPEA claims the state is the only in Australia to ban new investment in developing its onshore gas resources.
APPEA chief operating officer in Eastern Australia, Paul Fennelly, said: “Inquiry after inquiry has found that a properly regulated natural gas industry is safe and delivers real benefits to regional communities.
“Further inaction or a continuation of polices that undermine the development of onshore gas projects, will only impose costs on the community, in jobs, economic growth and higher energy prices.”
The VFF (Victorian Farmers Federation) has called for the fracking ban to remain in place until 2020.
They have raised concerns there is no information on the potential risks of an unconventional gas industry.
APPEA have called for an independent gas field’s commission to be established or a similar model which could lead community engagement and education.
As well as this they would like any moratorium on onshore gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing to be removed.
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