TROY BELL MP
Member for Mount Gambier
Your Independent voice
in State Parliament
Moratorium not at risk, they say
Monday March 31, 2025SOUTH East politicians are relieved to learn the region’s 10-year fracking moratorium is not at risk.
The moratorium ban was legislated in 2018 and prevents fracking within the South East until 2028.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell and Member for MacKillop Nick McBride expressed their concerns following discussions stating removing the moratorium would potentially reduce gas bills.
On Tuesday, March 18, Shadow Minister Treasurer Sam Telfer questioned Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis regarding power prices.
During the debate, Mr Koutsantonis stated banning gas extraction in “unconventional means” including in the South East was “setting the price” of gas.
“Fossil fuels are actually pushing up prices and what has caused gas prices to increase…things like banning gas extraction in unconventional means in the South-East,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“The members opposite still to this day defend their gas bans.”
Mr Telfer hit back at the minister stating it would only take him a “stroke of a pen” to reverse the decision which was legislated after lengthy debate.
Mr Telfer egged the minister to “put the legislation in” while Mr Koutsantonis questioned whether the state’s opposition would support lifting the gas ban.
Speaking with The Border Watch, Mr Telfer said the state opposition remained committed to the 10-year ban.
“The Liberal Party’s position has not changed since the ban on fracking in the South East was instigated, reflecting the concerns of the South East community,” Mr Telfer said.
“It seems the only party talking about changing the moratorium is the Labor Party and Tom Koutsantonis.”
Mr Koutsantonis said it was “telling” that Mr Telfer indicated support for lifting the ban.
“It is certainly the case that had this moratorium not been implemented, South Australians would be paying less for their power today, given limited gas supply is a major factor driving up costs,” he said.
“Nonetheless, the moratorium was put in place by legislation and the State Labor Government has no current plan to remove it.”
Mr Bell said he was relieved to hear the moratorium was not threatened, stating he was surprised listening to the initial exchange in Parliament’s chambers.
“That was a long-fought campaign, a grassroots campaign from the community of the entire Limestone Coast, not just Mount Gambier,” Mr Bell said.
“It was actually the Liberal Party that put the 10-year moratorium in place so I was a little bit concerned.”
He said he understood the comments were made “in the heat of question time” but remained pleased the Liberal Party’s position had been clarified.
“I think there are a number of factors that are leading to higher power bills,” he said.
Mr McBride echoed Mr Bell’s comments stating he was pleased the position remained.
“I was very disappointed to hear the banter, questions and interruptions in the chamber that supported the Labor Government to overturn the 10-year fracking moratorium as a ‘I dare you’,” Mr McBride said.
“It was disappointing to hear the opposition taunt and agitate the government to pursue this type of idea as I do not think it is helpful.”