Media Release, 3rd October 2016
Over 230 people attended public meetings in Aveley and Muchea last week to hear more about the risks posed by unconventional gas mining to the Swan and Chittering Valleys.
There is a gas exploration licence which covers large parts of the Valleys, and concerned citizens gathered to hear about the impacts the industry has had in other parts of Australia.
There was a film showing of ‘Fractured Country: An Unconventional Invasion’ which tells the story of the gas rush gripping Australia, that has seen over 37% of the country covered in gas licences and companies pushing ahead with exploration and production in key locations.
Local business woman, Suzanne Poli, said “We have wineries, tourism attractions, horse studs and productive farm land in the Swan and Chittering Valleys, which we simply can’t afford to put at risk.
“It’s vital that the community is fully informed about the risks from the spread of invasive gasfields, and that we act together to protect the things which make our region special” she said.
Local Bill Vinicombe said “The Swan Valley is a unique area, and our groundwater systems and surrounding agricultural areas which supply Perth with food are too important to put at risk from unconventional gas mining.
Lock the Gate Alliance Coordinator Simone van Hattem said “One of the greatest risks from unconventional gasfields is that they spread over large areas and typically include thousands of gas wells, roads, pipelines, compressor stations and waste water treatment.
“That type of development is completely incompatible with the closely settled villages and small farms of the Swan and Chittering Valleys, and the community needs to be on the front foot if they want to protect their region” she said.
“Citizens want certainty and clarity, not confusing messages from the Department of Mines and Petroleum. If they cared about the Swan and Chittering Valleys and their special values, they would not have issued this exploration permit last year.