The state government’s commitment to a 10-year moratorium on unconventional mining or fracking in the South East has been questioned by fellow politicians and anti-mining groups.
Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan says he has issued his department a very clear directive to not even consider any proposals for fracking in the South East, which he says equates to a 10-year ban.
But Independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell says only a formally legislated moratorium is enough to protect Limestone Coast.
His view is backed by Limestone Coast Protection Alliance chairperson Angus Ralton, who believes without legislation, any ban could easily be watered down by future governments.