Farmers, environmentalists, and local communities have expressed shock and dismay after the South Australian government moved to overturn a moratorium on fracking in the Limestone Coast region two years earlier than planned. The decision, announced just weeks after the state election, has been labeled a broken promise and an environmentally disastrous move.
Background of the Moratorium
A 10-year moratorium on unconventional gas was introduced by the former Marshall Liberal government in 2018 following widespread community opposition to fracking in the south-east. A parliamentary inquiry concluded the industry lacked social licence, and a survey found 95% of residents wanted the region to remain gasfield free. However, on Thursday, Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas revealed plans to overturn the ban, with legislation set to be introduced this week.
Local Reactions
Pete Bissell, from the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council, described the decision as extremely disappointing. “Fracking is not the answer here. Elsewhere in Australia, it has led only to short-term gains accompanied by fast depletion rates on gas wells,” he said. “To jeopardise the sustainable farming future of the region, for projects of this kind, is deeply regrettable.”
The Limestone Coast region, which stretches between the Victorian border and the SA coast, is prime agricultural land. It produces 83% of Australia’s lucerne, half of the state’s dairy and potatoes, and nearly a third of its wine grapes. It is also home to the world heritage-listed Naracoorte caves and nationally significant wetlands including the Coorong national park and Piccaninnie ponds.
Groundwater Concerns
Primary producers and communities rely heavily on ancient groundwater aquifers, which have been in consistent decline since 1993. Risks to this natural resource are consistently raised as a concern in relation to fracking activity. The current embargo on hydraulic fracture stimulation applies across seven local government areas: Mount Gambier, Naracoorte Lucindale, Grant, Tatiara, Kingston, Wattle Range, and Robe.
The Limestone Coast Local Government Association said no fracking should occur until a region-wide assessment of environmental, social, and economic impacts is undertaken. Association President Lynette Martin, also mayor of Mount Gambier, said councils were “acutely aware of the anxiety and concern” the announcement created in the community. “This region is built on the strength of its food and fibre industries – industries that are established, sustainable and critical to our economy. We should be backing those industries with confidence, not creating uncertainty that could undermine future investment.”
Government Justification
Explaining his government’s decision, Premier Malinauskas told Sky News that gas is a necessary component of reaching net zero emissions. “There is no world where we get to Paris [climate agreement targets], without gas playing a role in transition.” He said any proposals would be subject to rigorous scientific, environmental, and community scrutiny.
The acting national coordinator for Lock the Gate Alliance, Georgina Woods, called it a shocking decision that broke the state government’s promise to protect precious groundwater and fertile farmland from the environmentally disastrous impacts of fracking. “What’s even more surprising is the timing,” she said, with the announcement made just eight weeks after the state election.
Industry Perspective
Conversely, the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy said the change would restore science-based decision-making. Chief Executive Catherine Mooney stated, “As the east coast faces tightening gas supply, unlocking responsibly regulated local production is a practical step toward energy security and affordability.”
The decision follows an agreement between the SA government and Santos signed in February, contracting the company to supply 20 petajoules of gas annually over 10 years from 2030. The state’s current gas use is about 63 petajoules a year, with electricity generation contributing about half. However, South Australia has a target to reach net 100% renewable energy by next year.
Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said SA remains on track for its renewable target. “We are proud of our global leadership on renewables – and that has only been possible with the firming capacity of gas,” he said.
Political Hurdles
The state’s upper house could pose an obstacle, with One Nation flagging opposition to the government’s plans and the Liberals calling for the community to have a say. Victoria placed a moratorium on all onshore gas development in 2012, with a ban on fracking later made permanent. Fracking is not permitted in Tasmania and parts of Western Australia.
