WA Government bans fracking in petroleum title areas

The Western Australian State Government has announced a ban on fracking in existing and future petroleum titles in the South West, Peel and Perth metropolitan regions.

The Government has also placed a moratorium on fracking throughout the rest of mainland Western Australia.

In a media release, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety acting Executive Director Petroleum Denis Wills said “The State Government’s decision will prohibit companies from using fracking during exploration or production”.

A committee is being established to conduct an independent scientific inquiry into fracking to be chaired by the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority chair.

“The scientific inquiry will use credible scientific and historical evidence to assess each level of risk associated with fracking and outline regulatory mechanisms to identify and minimise potential risks to the environment, health, agriculture, heritage and the community,’ Mr Wills said.