PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Victorian government has introduced the Resource Legislation Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill to Parliament with the aim of permanently banning fracking in the state.

Premier Daniel Andrews said this week that the ban supported farmers in the region by protecting both produce and environment.

“We promised to ban fracking and we’re getting it done – the livelihoods of thousands of Victorians and the reputation of their world-class produce depend on it.”

If passed by Parliament, the Bill will permanently ban all onshore unconventional gas exploration and development, including fracking and coal seam gas, and will extend the moratorium on conventional onshore gas exploration and development to June 30, 2020.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) has warned that the new legislation will drive up energy prices and destroy manufacturing jobs.

Appea CEO Dr Malcolm Roberts said the Victorian government had chosen to ignore warnings of a looming gas supply shortage in its pursuit of green votes.

He said MPs who supported legislating to extend the existing moratorium on onshore gas development until 2020, and permanently ban fracking, were effectively voting for higher energy costs.

“There is no environmental or scientific reason to ban natural gas development,” Roberts said.

“Countless independent inquiries and decades of practical experience show the industry is safe. It is bewildering that a state that safely produced conventional gas onshore for 20 years until 2006 now claims it is unsafe.

“The Andrews government is simply pandering to an activist fear campaign that will ultimately drive up energy prices and cost jobs.”

Roberts said Victoria relied on natural gas more than any other state.

“Victoria desperately needs more gas development, not less. Four out of every five homes use gas; the rate of household usage is more than double the rate in South Australia and almost triple the rate in New South Wales.

“As a vital ingredient in many manufacturing processes, gas is also critical to the Victorian economy. Its reliability and cleaner-burning qualities also make it essential in the transition to a low carbon future.”

Roberts called on the Victorian government to lift the moratorium on conventional gas and rethink its politically motivated ban on fracking.