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A controversial mining technique — hydraulic fracturing, or fracking — is one step closer to ending in Western Australia, after WA Labor party members voted for a blanket ban. Fracking involves drilling and pumping fluid into the ground to create fractures, allowing oil and gas to flow to the surface. Currently, the fracking ban applies to 98 per cent of WA. The technique is permitted in parts of the Kimberley and Mid West regions under strict regulations and approval processes. However Labor party members voted to extend the ban to all parts of WA at the party's state conference on Saturday, the first since WA Labor started its third term in government. The move is a departure from the WA Government's current policy, implemented under former premier Mark McGowan, to allow fracking in two per cent of the state. In order for the total ban to be implemented, legislation would need to be passed by the WA parliament. When asked about the issue on Saturday morning, Premier Roger Cook said it was important to balance environmental needs with energy and economic considerations. "Ninety eight per cent of Western Australia is currently not eligible for fracking … so in Western Australia we already have incredibly stringent arrangements in relation to that sort of resource." Environment groups back blanket ban Environmental group Environs Kimberley executive director Martin Pritchard threatened to campaign against a fourth Labor term in government if it didn't rule out fracking. "We're going to be working really hard to make sure that people understand what the threat is to the Kimberley, and we believe that's going to be a major problem for Labor," Mr Pritchard said. "Fracking is banned in the South West, Perth and Peel, and we want it extended to ban fracking in the Kimberley." Mangala Martu Traditional Owner Nuriah Jadai said fracking had the potential to contaminate natural waterways. The state's Environmental Protection Authority is assessing a proposal by US-based oil and gas company Black Mountain Energy to develop a fracking project in the West Kimberley. The company is proposing to develop "one of the world's last large scale onshore unconventional undeveloped gas projects". "Black Mountain Energy is committed to protecting the environment to achieve long-term sustainable operations," the company's environment policy statement said.
