SW exploration plans prompt fracking fears

An Eastern States company could explore prime land in Greater Bunbury for oil and gas, prompting fears the controversial practice of fracking is one step closer.

However, in Bunbury this week, the Department of Mines and Petroleum reassured its stringent regulations would protect the public.

Unconventional Resources, which is registered in New South Wales, could be given six years to explore a swathe of land covering Dardanup, Capel, Donnybrook and Ferguson Valley.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert claimed the announcement was aimed at "getting fracking going in the South West" and would send "shockwaves" throughout the community.

However, before the company can be officially given the green light to explore the land and potentially drill underground wells, it must negotiate a native title agreement with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and complete a number of administrative requirements with the Department of Mines and Petroleum.

In a media briefing session, the department, which acts as the regulator for oil and gas, suggested this process could take between six months and two years.

Even after the titles were granted, the company has at this stage flagged completing 150km of seismic survey to determine if there was a prospective underground resource.

The company is also likely to be hindered by State and Federal regulations.

Any bid to drill near waterways or near towns will require approvals from other organisations including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Water.

Department of Mines and Petroleum strategic business development principal policy officer Jason Medd said little was known about the geology of the area.

He said the exploration would be crucial for the company to discover if it would need to use hydraulic fracturing, which is also known as fracking, to get to potential oil and gas reserves.

"In this area they (the company) need to build up a significant body of knowledge on the petroleum geology of the area before they can take it any further and talk about fracture stimulation," Mr Medd said.

"A lot of work needs to be done before they can get to that stage."

The Greens and the Conservation Council of WA yesterday criticised the department announcement and claimed fracking was likely for the region.

"I'm sure this news will send shockwaves through the South West community - they won't sit by and let this happen," Ms Siewert said.

"I encourage people to let their representatives know immediately that this is not what they want for the South West now or in the future."

Conservation Council WA Director Piers Verstegen wants the State Government to rule out fracking over a region which was promoted around the world as a "clean and green" food and tourist region.