World · East Asia & Pacific · 4 hrs ago
Young people seek a voice on fracking and mining plans in South Australia
Young people in South Australia's Limestone Coast want a say in plans for fracking and rare earth mining in their region.
The area has long depended on agriculture, and local advocates say industrial development could affect farmland, communities and the environment.
Fracking has been controversial because of concerns about its possible effects on groundwater.
The state government has announced plans to repeal a 10-year fracking moratorium, and Premier Peter Malinauskas has said it will lapse in 2028.
A Greens bill to ban fracking permanently passed the Upper House, but is expected to fail in the Lower House, where Labor has a large majority.
The state energy minister supports gas development, saying affordable energy is needed to support industry and jobs.
Australian Rare Earths is expected to finalise a mine application in the coming months, while a local farmer whose land is within the exploration area says the proposal has made him reconsider investing in the land and his future.
Young people in South Australia's Limestone Coast are calling for a voice in decisions about proposed fracking and rare earth mining.
The region's economy has long been dominated by agriculture, while mining and fracking are being considered as part of its economic future.
The proposals have raised concerns about the effects on farmland, communities and groundwater.
The state government has announced legislation to repeal the region's fracking moratorium, which is set to lapse in 2028.
Mining and energy minister Tom Koutsantonis says gas is needed to provide cheap energy and support jobs and economic growth.
- Who
- Young people in the Limestone Coast, including climate advocate Jazmin Bingham and youth council chair Zoe Moore, are seeking a voice. The state government and mining and energy minister Tom Koutsantonis support access to gas.
- What
- Young people are raising concerns about proposed fracking and rare earth mining and want to be involved in decisions.
- When
- The article was published on October 29, 2026. The state government announced legislation to repeal the moratorium in May.
- Where
- The Limestone Coast in South Australia, including the South East and the Wrattonbully region.
- Why
- Young people say the plans could affect their future, farmland, communities and the environment. The minister says gas is needed for cheap energy and economic growth.
Young people and opponents of fracking and mining
State government and gas supporters
Aspect
Young people and opponents of fracking and mining
Young people say they should have a voice in decisions that will affect them.
State government and gas supporters
The article does not state a specific government position on young people's participation.
Fracking
Young people and opponents of fracking and mining
Zoe Moore wrote to the premier opposing the end of the fracking moratorium; the Greens' bill would permanently ban fracking in the region.
State government and gas supporters
The government announced legislation to repeal the moratorium, which is set to lapse in 2028.
Economic case
Young people and opponents of fracking and mining
Opponents raise concerns about impacts on land and groundwater.
State government and gas supporters
Tom Koutsantonis says gas offers cheap energy, supports jobs and helps grow the economy.
A 10-year moratorium on fracking in the region was introduced.
The South Australian government announced legislation to repeal the fracking moratorium.
A Greens bill to permanently ban fracking passed the Upper House.
The fracking moratorium is set to lapse.
- Moratorium introduced
- 2018
- Moratorium set to lapse
- 2028
- Youth advocate
- Jazmin Bingham, 19
- Youth council chair
- Zoe Moore, 16
- Proposed rare earth mine area
- Wrattonbully region, South Australia
- Developer
- Australian Rare Earths (AR3)
What people are saying
Young people are generally not at the table when decisions are being made and that's just the way it is, and things just need a change
Our lands are so sacred and so rich.
If we always have the same older generations making decisions for us, it will continue to impact us longer than it will impact them
Long-term jobs require cheap energy and cheap energy comes from an abundance of gas.