A WA made documentary that tells the story of the people on the frontline in the battle to protect their land, water and health from the fracking industry, will be shown in Margaret River from 6.30pm on Monday, May 29.
The film, A Fractured State looks at the battle by communities in the Kimberley, Mid West and South West, and how they were locking their gates to the industry and declaring their regions off limits to gas mining and exploration.
South West farmer Martin Campbell is organizing the free event and said he was keen to get a farming-focused Lock the Gate style group in Margaret River.
Mr Campbell wants to ensure that the unconventional gas industry stays out of the region’s water catchment areas, forests and farmland.
“Margaret River is a special and unique place, and the last thing we need is for it to be turned it into a gas field,” he said.
“Landholders are really concerned at the prospect of gas fields in the region, very likely adversely impacting our clean air and water, and our farming and tourism areas, and so we are looking to join other farming communities who have declared their areas gas field free.
“The new Labor Government has promised to ban fracking in the South West, but this may not be enough to stop the unconventional gas industry from establishing a gasfield in our Whicher Range.”
Gas field free South West spokesperson Lisa Chatwin said considering Whicher Range was unconventional gas and would require fracking, they had requested the government cancel the Whicher Range permit, under the pretext of water and food security.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Johnston said the WA government would stand by its election promise to ban fracking in the South West, Peel and Perth metropolitan areas.
Mr Johnston said he was working closely with the Minister for Environment Stephen Dawson and the Premier Mark McGowan, as Minister for State Development, to jointly implement this commitment.
“The ban will offer the South West community the protections they have been demanding,” he said.
“The South West region is WA’s biggest tourism destination and the unique natural environment is a major drawcard for international visitors. It is vital that this unique environment is protected.”
The film will screen at the Margaret River Community Centre, 33 Tunbridge Street.
