LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
THE Victorian government’s decision to ban natural gas exploration and production is just a cynical political fix.
There is no environmental, health or safety justification for prohibiting onshore gas development.
Exploration and production have been conducted safely in Victoria for decades.
Every reputable, independent inquiry has found that, properly regulated, the natural gas industry is safe.
In Queensland, the industry operates alongside traditional rural industries, producing new local jobs and drought proof income for farmers.
Dishonest fear campaigns only work if governments fail to support honest, factual debate.
Responsible governments don’t recycle wild claims.
Responsible governments work to ensure that valid questions being asked in the community are answered with facts, not slogans.
The consequences of the Victorian government’s decision will be unnecessarily higher gas prices and lost economic opportunities for regional Victoria, for no good reason.
