Shire welcomes laws that will add resource jobs
Published on 18 March 2020
Corangamite Shire Council has welcomed the introduction of two Bills by the State Government yesterday aimed at creating natural resources industry jobs while protecting farming with a fracking ban.
One of the bills introduced yesterday (Tuesday 17 March) will lift the moratorium on onshore gas exploration and production, which had been in place since 2014.
Corangamite Mayor Neil Trotter said onshore conventional gas exploration and development could strengthen the Shire’s future through a diversified economy and was something the Council had been advocating for.
“The agriculture and tourism industries have long been the two mainstays of our community’s financial security,” Cr Trotter said.
“Adding a third major industry will help futureproof the Shire’s economy by generating jobs and attracting workers who will contribute to our communities and support local businesses.”
Cr Trotter said surveys by the Victorian Gas Program (VGP) had found onshore conventional gas resources in the Otway Basin.
“The Victorian Gas Program has conducted a three year study, involving farmers, environmentalists, industry representatives and Councils, and found an onshore conventional gas industry would not hurt our environment or agriculture,” he said.
The VGP conducted extensive community engagement in October and November 2019 including newspaper advertising and seven community workshops across South-West Victoria, including Port Campbell and Camperdown.
Workshop attendees shared local knowledge and ideas on food security, protection of agricultural land; environmental risks, particularly to water supplies; gas markets and domestic gas reservation policies; and climate change.
“The study has forecast 6400 jobs and more than $310 million a year for regional economies, during the life of the projects,” Cr Trotter said.
“New supply projects will improve national energy security and we hope revenue raised through this lucrative industry stays in the region to benefit our community.”
Cr Trotter also commended the Government for its second Bill, which entrenches the fracking ban.
“Fracking has been linked with environmental issues such as high water consumption and groundwater contamination,” he said.
“In an area that relies on healthy environment to support viable food and fibre businesses, it is of paramount importance that we protect our high quality farming land.
“Together, these two Bills appear to be a win-win for the Shire—protecting our existing economy and environmental while opening new growth opportunities.”