So, what's all the fracking fuss about anyway?
Western Australia has one of the world's largest reserves of gas trapped in rock deep below ground. The problem is, over 100,000 individual fracking wells would be required to extract this gas.
Hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking', is a new onshore gas extraction technique that involves drilling pipes beneath the earth, then pumping vast volumes of chemicals, sand, and water at high-pressure to crack them to release the trapped gas.
The term 'fracking', whether for shale, tight, or coal seam gas (CSG), has become synonymous with land degradation, air pollution, climate change, chronic health problems, social agitation, and contaminated and depleted water resources.
Public opposition has been fuelled by a growing awareness of both the scientific case against the industry, and of the impacts on communities when the gas companies move in. Though little more than a dozen sites have been fracked so far in WA, we’ve already seen serious leaks and other mishaps in the Kimberley, Mid West, and South West.
News continues to spread of the appalling impact the industry has had in the eastern states and overseas. As a result, a growing number of governments have banned unconventional gas extraction and fracking because of the risks and impacts on public health, the economy, and the environment.
Western Australians now have a huge decision to make. Will we allow this industry to tear apart our beautiful country, or will we say, "Frack Off!" to this industry and demand a Frack Free Future for Western Australia?
Blog Posts
EXPOSED: Oil and Gas Veteran Reveals the Dirty Tricks That Made Him Quit the Industry
Posted by Katherine Neaves · March 09, 2017 11:01 PM
Where do they stand on fracking?
Posted by Katherine Neaves · March 07, 2017 3:42 PM
Alinta, AWE and The West Australian
Posted by brett glossop · November 10, 2016 4:56 PM
Alinta, AWE and The West Australian
Good news friends – our campaign asking Alinta Energy to ditch its contract with fracking company AWE has been picked up by The West – you can read the article here.
The article’s not short on bloopers, not least confusing Frack Free Future (that’s us) with ‘Frack Free WA’ (another group’s Facebook page, not even the name of an actual organisation!), but it’s great to get that widespread coverage. Especially given The West is somewhat reluctant to publish stories on fracking lately.
Alinta is quoted in the article, and has also been responding to people on Facebook. Unsurprisingly, WA’s main gas supplier is being a little cute with the truth.
Here’s two misleading things Alinta is saying in response to our campaign:
Read moreWA Labor announces plan to ban fracking in South West
Labor leader Mark McGowan has announced plans to ban fracking in the South West of WA if his party wins the State election in March next year.
Read moreAnti-fracking community hold action outside Petroleum Open Day
Concerned citizens and members of the Frack Free Future alliance gathered outside the Hyatt Hotel in Perth to protest against the WA Government’s support for the unconventional gas and fracking industry.
Read moreLiberal and National MPs break ranks over fracking concerns
The penny appears to be dropping for Liberal and National MPs on the serious risks posed by fracking in Western Australia.
Read more