Fracking fury over Ningaloo Coast as new Conservation Council WA campaign launches

ENVIRONMENTALISTS say Ningaloo Coast is under threat from companies that want to drill for gas using a controversial method.

fracking

COMMUNITY and conservation groups say the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast is under threat from companies that want to drill for gas using a controversial practice banned in Victoria, parts of Europe and some US states.

Hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" involves blasting sand, chemicals and millions of litres of water between 1.5km and 5km underground to rupture rock and release trapped gas.

The technique, used to explore and extract "unconventional gas" in coal-seam, shale and tight-sand formations, has been blamed for contaminating aquifers and causing gas leaks in farmland in Queensland and the US.

In WA, exploration is happening across the state, but miners here say the geology is different and the practice is safer.

Today, the Conservation Council WA launches a TV and radio campaign and regional tour with the WA Farmers Federation to raise awareness and call for a fracking ban where it could affect drinking water, food production and in nature reserves.

Exmouth's Cape Conservation Group and the Conservation Council WA say Ningaloo faces a threat from Empire Oil and Gas, which holds an 1120sqkm lease that includes 6sqkm within the Ningaloo Coast's World Heritage boundaries.

Department of Mines and Petroleum executive director for petroleum Bill Tinapple said the 6sqkm area was protected and no drilling was allowed.

Empire's latest report to shareholders outlines plans to drill elsewhere in the lease if its permit which is being assessed by the department is renewed.

Jacqueline Hine, secretary of Cape Conservation Group, feared drilling could take place "right on Ningaloo's doorstep".

But Empire managing director Craig Marshall said, as part of its permit renewal, the company had relinquished all parts of its lease within, bordering and near to the World Heritage boundaries. Elsewhere on the lease, Empire had "no agenda at all for fracking".

The department said shale and tight gas could play a key role in WA's energy security.