GLENELG Shire has become the latest south-west council to voice concern over fracking.
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The council offered its support to an anti-fracking meeting in Digby, organised by opposition group Lock The Gate.
Beach Energy and its joint venture partner Somerton Energy won the right to explore an area north of Casterton, in the Dergholm district in November last year. About 100 people attended the meeting in Digby on Tuesday night — similar to another gathering held in Crossley recently.
The state government’s ban on hydraulic fracking and coal seam gas will remain in place until July 2015.
But campaigners against mining in the region are already mobilising, warning of the risk to agriculture and properties from contamination if companies are given permission to drill. In a statement, Glenelg Shire Council mayor John Northcott said communities needed more information from the state government about the mining method.
“Without receiving the latest knowledge, how can the community make an informed decision?” Cr Northcott said.
“We just want the community to get what they were promised.”
Last month Moyne Shire councillors also listed their formal opposition against fracking.
s.mccomish@fairfaxmedia.com.au