Sadly for the anti-fraccers, the Australian Local Government Association rejected the motions put forward by Griffith City Council in New South Wales and Moyne Council in Victoria.

Griffith Council had called for natural gas development to be restricted while Moyne Council wanted it banned altogether.

Lock the Gate national coordinator Phil Laird said the motions demonstrated the strength of across the board opposition to CSG and other unconventional gas extraction.

He pointed to similar calls from 53 councils and two council representative bodies across three states.

“This move to seek increased federal oversight comes just as the federal government has sought to gut the water trigger on gas projects, effectively handing it back to the states,” Laird said.

Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association chief operating officer eastern Australia Paul Fennelly said the ALGA decision showed what council’s really thought of the actions of groups such as Lock the Gate.

“Many councils are now alert to a concerted campaign by environmental groups, such as the Lock the Gate Alliance, to stop natural gas heating our homes, powering our kitchens, supporting agribusiness and driving our manufacturing sector,” he said.

“There are many local governments across Australia working with natural gas companies, state governments and the community to enhance local economies and amenities via sensible and responsible resource development.

“Anti-resource positions advocated by the greens and affiliated groups not only place pressure on gas supply to residents and businesses, but quash potential job opportunities and regional economic benefits.”