Vic fracking still banned, inquiry pending

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says a moratorium on coal seam gas exploration will remain in place until the completion of a parliamentary inquiry.

A coal seam gas pilot well near Narrabri

Fracking will remain banned in Victoria until an inquiry is complete, Premier Daniel Andrews says. (AAP)

Fracking will remain banned in Victoria until a parliamentary inquiry on the issue is complete, Premier Daniel Andrews says.

Mr Andrews says the moratorium on coal seam gas (CSG) exploration will stay in place until the inquiry - an election promise - delivers its findings.

"This is an important issue, it needs to be taken seriously," he told reporters.

The premier hasn't confirmed when the inquiry will start, but said there would be an announcement about its terms of reference soon.

Greens MP Ellen Sandell said there needed to be a permanent ban on fracking and onshore gas exploration.

"Evidence from interstate and overseas already shows how toxic this industry is to our water, farmland and climate," she said in a statement.

"Labor is using the inquiry to delay a decision and keep the fossil fuel industry happy."


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