Lock the Gate have responded to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Gas Inquiry Interim report by asking why the ACCC are continuing to push for new gasfields in NSW and Victoria when their own report states that there will will be ongoing high gas prices for Australians due to the gas export terminals linking our gas to international pricing.
Lock the Gate Alliance says the report clearly demonstrates the vast majority of gas produced in Australia currently is being shipped overseas.
‘The report reveals that gas exporting companies are sucking up a lion’s share of Australian gas and continuing to charge Australian gas users through the nose.
‘The outlook for gas continues to be high cost and high risk.
‘Instead of trying to force farmers and regional communities into polluting gasfields, the Government should be helping businesses innovate to get off expensive gas in order to save money and create new jobs.
‘Onshore unconventional fracking produces expensive, difficult to extract gas. It will cost the consumer more and put Australian waterways at risk.
‘Lower cost renewable energy and solar heat is now emerging as a serious option for manufacturers and households who can take steps to get off expensive and polluting gas.’