Swan Hills Labor MP Jessica Shaw has affirmed her support for a ban on fracking in Western Australia.
The pledge was made at a public meeting in Swan Hills last night, organised by local residents.
“During the State election, I repeatedly expressed my opposition to fracking. My views haven’t changed. I have grave concerns that it will compromise the environment, ground water, public health and will contribute adversely to climate change. The people of Western Australia should not have to wear the risks”, Ms Shaw told the meeting.
Ms Shaw, who has a background in the energy industry, said she would work with other MPs towards a permanent ban.
She said her electorate was telling her that they did not want or need fracking and she was keen to represent their views.
“Opposition to fracking in my community is overwhelming. I share their views. We should be focusing on more sustainable sources of energy, including renewables and batteries.”
A spokesperson for Lock the Gate in WA, Simone van Hattem, who was at the public meeting, said Ms Shaw’s support follows Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer’s call for a state-wide ban on fracking in June.
“Local MPs from across WA have been getting emails and phone calls from electors calling for a legislated, state-wide ban on fracking in WA,” Ms van Hattem said.
“The pressure is mounting and MPs are responding by listening and acting.”
Member of the Gasfield Free Swan Valley Alliance, Bryan Whan said Ms Shaw’s statements provided some hope to the many thousands of people across WA that have signed a petition calling for a permanent legislated ban on fracking in WA.
The petition will be presented to Parliament at a rally on October 11.