As the spotlight on coal seam gas continues to flood the industry and the fear around the extraction process continues to grow, the world is questioning how necessary it is, and how much damage is being caused. Concerns surround the possible contamination of groundwater and aquifers. Of the 23 most commonly used compounds in fracking fluids, the national regulator, NICNAS, has only assessed two, and the two that have been assessed, weren’t assessed for their use in fracking fluids.

Senator Bill Heffernan, who is chairing a senate inquiry into coal seam gas extraction to begin in July said “the gas companies are using cowboy regulation in a David and Goliath battle against individual farmers.

Earlier this year, farmers in Queensland voiced their frustration over gas companies installing gas wells on their properties, saying landowners felt powerless against the major gas companies who were able to gain approvals to install wells close to homes and feed lots, up to 500 wells in some cases.

For more information on Coal Seam Gas Extraction, go to Lock The Gate Alliance - lockthegate.org.au