Fracking Fury: Kimberley Locals Sound Alarm as Labor Party Faces Intense Pressure to Ban Controversial Practice Ahead of State Conference
- Fracking sparks heated debate in Western Australia, with environmental groups and traditional owners calling for a total ban
- Labor Party faces intense pressure to act ahead of state conference, with 98% of the Kimberley already “frack-free” but 2% still open to drilling
- Experts warn of catastrophic consequences for the region’s unique landscape and water sources, with one group likening the industry to a “ticking time bomb”
The Kimberley region of Western Australia is on high alert as the controversy surrounding fracking reaches a boiling point. With the Labor Party’s state conference just around the corner, environmental groups and traditional owners are sounding the alarm, calling for a total ban on the practice. The issue has sparked heated debate, with proponents arguing that fracking is essential for the state’s economic prosperity, while opponents claim it poses a catastrophic risk to the region’s unique landscape and water sources.
Madeleine Jadai, a Mangala woman and outspoken anti-fracking campaigner, issued a heartfelt plea to Premier Roger Cook, urging him to “say yes to a ban on fracking in the Kimberley”. Jadai’s concerns are echoed by Environs Kimberley’s chief executive, Martin Pritchard, who warned that the industry is “not compatible with the globally significant natural values of the Kimberley”.
Despite Premier Cook’s claims that the state has “incredibly tight rules” around fracking, critics argue that the current regulations are inadequate. The WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy has come out in support of the practice, arguing that a total ban would deter future investment and hinder the state’s economic growth. However, Pritchard countered that the industry is “one of the most invasive, polluting industries on the planet” and that the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
As the Labor Party prepares to convene for its state conference, the issue of fracking is set to take centre stage. With the fate of the Kimberley region hanging in the balance, one thing is clear: the decision to ban or permit fracking will have far-reaching consequences for the environment, the economy, and the people of Western Australia.
In a shocking revelation, it has emerged that Texas-based Black Mountain Energy has submitted a proposal to drill and frack up to 20 wells in the Canning Basin, just 120 kilometres south-east of Derby in the West Kimberley region. The proposal, which is currently under review by the Environmental Protection Authority, has sparked widespread concern among local residents and environmental groups.
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: the people of Western Australia will be watching with bated breath as the Labor Party makes its decision on fracking. Will they prioritise the environment and the concerns of traditional owners, or will they opt for economic growth at any cost? Only time will tell.