Alarm after AGL backtracks on no fracking promise

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Alarm after AGL backtracks on no fracking promise

by Simon Frazer, ABCUpdated January 16, 2013, 8:58 am

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Concerns about proposed gas drilling in Sydney’s south-west have again flared, after a backflip by energy company AGL on its promise not to use the controversial fracking technique.

The New South Wales Government is considering an application by AGL for another 11 drilling sites for coal seam gas in the Camden area.

AGL assured residents last month that fracking, which involves pumping water, sand and chemicals down a well, was off the table for the gas project.

But now a spokeswoman says while fracking is unlikely, it could be used.

In a statement, the company says its planning application, “covers a range of drilling, well stimulation and techniques which will be selected based on geology, environmental and other constraints.”

Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham says he is not surprised.

“AGL cannot be trusted,” he said.

“We never believed that they would not be fracking.”

Opposition spokesman Andrew McDonald says the State Government must intervene.

“The O’Farrell Government needs immediately to ban fracking near the Campbelltown community,” he said.

“Fracking near the Campbelltown community puts public health and safety at risk for generations.

“The O’Farrell Government has the power and needs to immediately press the pause button on drilling for gas in this way.”

Resources Minister Chris Hartcher says the assessment process for AGL’s proposal will ensure public safety isn’t compromised.

But he will not comment on whether AGL has misled the public with its previous statements.

“AGL’s proposal is out there for public comment and there will be a public hearing on the 25th of February,” he said.

“How the public view AGL’s proposal, how the public hearing determines its response to AGL’s proposal, how the multi-agency group determine whether AGL’s proposal fits in with government guidelines, are matters to be determined at this stage.
“It would be only approved under the strictest environmental guidelines, but at this stage it’s only a proposal.”

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