A FACT-finding mission to the United States next month has gained strong support from those keen to see first-hand how unconventional gas production may affect the South East's natural resources and residents.
SA politicians - Liberal MP for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, Greens MLC Mark Parnell, and Independent MLC John Darley - have confirmed their intent to join community members on the study tour.
Trip organiser and Kalangadoo farmer David Smith has also had interest from those in western Vic, where a similar Parliamentary Inquiry is being held.
The eight-day study tour, departing on June 20, will travel through New York State and Pennsylvania, visiting areas which have been fracked for shale gas for a decade or more. The itinerary will include speaking to former councillor Doug Shields, who lead a ban on fracking in Pittsburgh in November 2010 - a nationwide first - and visit to Scranton, one of the most intensive gas production areas in the US, to examine the health and socioeconomic effects.
Helping organise the study tour and key note speakers is retired executive vice president of Mobil Louis Allstadt ,who ran the company's exploration and production operations in the western hemisphere.
Mr Smith defends the 'anti-fracking' itinerary, saying the community needs to know the worst-case scenario.
"As a resident of the SE I want to see what the potential is for something to go wrong and be informed about what are the real risks we face," Mr Smith said.
"If they do find good supplies of gas in the SE and fracking gets the green light, speaking one-on-one to Beach Energy they are looking at getting every bit of commercial gas so there could be wells at least every kilometre," he said.
"It is not too late but anyone interested in coming should get in touch as soon as possible."
To assist with the costs of the trip a fundraising Warehouse Auction will be held at 11am on Sunday in Mount Gambier, organised by local ladies Jantina Rhode and Elizabeth Deme. Mr Smith is urging primary producers to donate goods to the cause.
"Farmers will be the front line if fracking goes ahead and if it contaminates the water or soil or air they are going to feel it first. We want to get the trip videoed and well recorded and present it to the Parliamentary Inquiry, but it all comes at a cost," he said.
Donated goods can be dropped off at the warehouse at 5 Allan Drive, Mount Gambier between 2-6pm tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday 10am-4pm.