Press release: Don’t Frack the Bay

Date: 7/6/12

Responsible Response to Fracking

Citizens group 'Don’t Frack the Bay' welcomes the news that the Hastings District Council yesterday voted unanimously to take a 'precautionary approach' to hydraulic fracturing and will revisit the status of this when the Parliamentary Commissioner of the Environment report is available later this year. Don't Frack The Bay applauds the District Council on this approach as well as its strong commitment to the priority of protecting our aquifers and waterways. Spokesperson Pauline Elliott says the group is most encouraged by Mayor Lawrence Yule's stance that any perceived benefits from oil drilling must be balanced against environmental risks, particularly to the Heretaunga Plains Aquifer, which he describes as the "life blood of Hawke's Bay".

"Despite many claims to the contrary, there is simply not enough knowledge about the medium and longer term effects of hydraulic fracturing. Until there is absolute certainty around safe methods of extraction, the oil and gas reportedly present in vast amounts, is not going anywhere" says Ms Elliott.

"The past 10 years of hydraulic fracturing in USA has ravaged landscapes and productive land, turning them into industrial wasteland. Is that what we want for our own outstanding food producing region? Is it the legacy we want to leave for future generations?"

While the District Council does not have a lead role in the Resource Consent process, its position in ensuring protection of our environment, particularly water resources, demonstrates leadership and an understanding of just what could be at risk.

Don't Frack The Bay, along with many others, will be presenting submissions again next week - this time to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022 (Thurday 14 June 9am to 12).

Submissions are expected to highlight the risks of contamination of water, soil and air; and the potential costs and negative impacts on our sustaining and sustainable industries of farming, food production and processing, exporting and tourism. The increased likelihood of earthquakes from hydraulic fracturing is also a major concern.

"Oil exploration permits have been allocated for Hawke's Bay without community consultation and with little understanding of the impacts. Don't Frack the Bay will be calling on Council leaders to facilitate a public forum once the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has completed her report", Ms Elliott says.

ENDS.

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