Push to overturn South Australia fracking ban set to be blocked
The South Australian government's move to lift a ten-year fracking ban is set to be blocked by One Nation and the Liberals. The energy-policy debate is intensifying. Industry groups are concerned about pressure on gas supply.
The Labor-led South Australian government's attempt to lift a 10-year hydraulic fracturing ban in the state's south-east will be blocked in parliament. One Nation and Liberal opposition senators announced they would vote together to defeat the measure.
The Labor government had proposed lifting the ban to ease gas supply tightness and reduce pressure from rising natural-gas prices on industry. Environmental groups and agricultural unions welcomed the planned defeat. Local farmers continue to highlight water-table and soil-quality risks.
The outcome marks a new chapter in the longer energy debate running down Australia's east coast. Industry groups warned that LNG prices delivered from Queensland could rise as much as 8 percent by year-end. The debate will continue into the run-up to state elections.
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