We, the undersigned organisations from the Limestone Coast and across South Australia, are deeply concerned by the State Government’s attempts to prematurely end the 10‑year moratorium on fracking in our region.

The Limestone Coast community was not consulted about this change and has consistently opposed fracking.

The fracking industry has no social licence in our region.

We urge all Members of Parliament to listen to voters, protect the Limestone Coast, and act to permanently prohibit fracking in our region.

The Limestone Coast is South Australia’s food bowl. The “Green Triangle” produces around 30% of the state’s agricultural output on just 2% of its land, contributing over $4 billion to the state’s economy each year.

Fracking could contaminate the Limestone Coast’s precious water, soil and air. Potential risks include environmental contamination, regulatory failure and excessive methane releases.

Once groundwater is contaminated, it cannot be restored, and the damage to our farms and communities would be permanent.

Elsewhere in South Australia, including the Cooper Basin, regulation has not prevented serious chemical leaks from gas projects.

A similar incident in the Limestone Coast, where the aquifers sustain our food, wine and tourism industries, would be devastating.

The Limestone Coast also cannot sustain another high‑water‑use industry. After a decade of falling water levels, existing viticulture, agriculture, forestry and food producers already face reduced allocations.

Any unconventional gas projects would further threaten regional jobs, businesses and communities.

To protect the Limestone Coast now and for future generations, we call on Parliament to:

• abandon the Energy Resources (Regulated Activities) Amendment Bill and instead legislate a permanent ban on fracking in the Limestone Coast.

The Limestone Coast is too important to risk. We ask you to stand with the communities, workers and businesses who depend on clean water and a healthy environment, and to make the protection of our region permanent by banning fracking for good.