Return of Conventional Gas Exploration on the cards in Vic !!!

Push begins to lift state’s ban on conventional gas exploration.
(Jan 16, 2020 news Herald Sun.)

Support is ramping up to lift Victoria’s ban on conventional gas exploration, with the moratorium on onshore drilling set to expire later this year.

Atleast five councils are considering whether to back opening up the state to newplayers, that will extract gas from onshore areas using conventional drillingmethods.

CorangamiteShire in the state’s west has been the first to declare support for lifting theban – that was extended by the Andrews Government in 2016.

MayorNeil Trotter confirmed “Corangamite is in favour of lifting the moratorium onconventional gas”.

“Also at the moment the state is importing gas, so it will helpmake the state more self sufficient.”

Afurther four Victorian councils will deliberate on their position in the comingmonths.

Councillorsat Glenelg Shire Council, South Grampians Shire Council, Moyne Shire Counciland Warrnambool City Council are expected to consider the issue as early asFebruary.

Thecurrent moratorium on drilling for “conventional” onshore gas expires on June30.

Thetemporary ban was extended by the Andrews Government coupled the moved tooutlaw invasive unconventional drilling methods that were considered highlycontentious.

This included fracking – a technique that uses water andchemicals to release coal seam gas.

Asthe government considers lifting the ban the latest progress report has beenreleased on Victoria’s Gas Program.

Theupdate indicated that the Otway Basin had the potential for gas supply as wellas up possible underground storage sites.

Opposition energy and resources spokesman Ryan Smith saidallowing conventional gas was crucial to the state’s future.

“It’sa pretty open-and-shut case,” he said.

“Inprinciple we support lifting the moratorium and getting some supply back intothe market to bring down prices.

“Costof living pressures are pretty tough on families and this is one way ofrelieving that.”

The Victorian Government extensionhas allowed experts to carry out scientific, technical and environmentalresearch to ascertain the benefits and risks of onshore conventional gas.

DYOR, CHEERS !!!