Learn about local land use and onshore conventional gas

The Victorian Gas Program is hosting workshops for communities across Gippsland to help develop a model capturing the region’s unique natural, cultural and environmental features.

The Victorian Gas Program is hosting workshops for communities across Gippsland to help develop a model capturing the region’s unique natural, cultural and environmental features.

The spatial model will map an inventory of items to consider when making potential future decisions about onshore conventional gas projects in the region.

In March the Victorian Government announced its intention for an orderly restart of onshore conventional gas industry from 1 July 2021. The decision follows three years of geoscientific, technical and environmental research through the Victorian Gas Program.

The studies found that a responsible and well-regulated onshore conventional gas industry would not risk groundwater supplies or agricultural production.

A preliminary resource and land use planning model of Gippsland has been prepared to understand the risks, benefits and impacts of potential gas exploration and developments at a local level.

Over 140 authoritative datasets have been used to map the region’s existing land uses and unique landscape features and values.

A similar resource and land use planning model was developed for south west Victoria in 2019. Both models will provide new evidence to ensure that any land use considerations in relation to gas exploration and developments are addressed as part of the decision-making process.

In the first week of June, the Victorian Gas Program is seeking local feedback on its preliminary model through a series of online workshops.

Registrations and requests for further information can be made at earthresources.vic.gov.au/gasprogram.

Exploration and development of unconventional gas (fracking and coal seam gas) is permanently banned in Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Director of the Geological Survey of Victoria Paul McDonald:

“We’re hosting workshops for the Gippsland community so locals can have their say on land use and considerations across the region should there be onshore conventional gas development.”

“The land use model is crucial to our understanding of the risks, benefits and impacts of potential gas exploration and development, it forms a key part of the evidence base we’re building.”

“Local knowledge from residents assisted in improving the south west Victoria model, and we are eager to see what we can learn in Gippsland.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913