The Independent Scientific Panel Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation in WA is well underway. The Panel has developed a series of background papers to inform the development of submissions to the Inquiry. The independent scientific panel held several public meetings in the Kimberley, Midwest and Perth metropolitan regions in early 2018 and invited submissions on the potential environmental impacts, regulation and management of hydraulic fracture stimulation to obtain oil and gas. Public submissions were open from 27th November 2017 to 19 March 2018.
The Inquiry will consider the impacts associated with hydraulic fracture stimulation, together with those processes and activities associated with its application, over the full life-cycle of development, operations and closure.
The Inquiry will consider the potential impacts on the environment, and any material harm that those impacts might in turn have on the social surrounds (including heritage, human health and safety) or beneficial use of that environment.
At this stage, the anticipated timeline for the inquiry is as follows:
| Scientific Inquiry announced | 5 September 2017 |
| Terms of Reference released | 5 September 2017 |
| Inquiry Chair appointed | 5 September 2017 |
| Panel members appointed | 11 October 2017 |
| Inaugural meeting of the Panel | 16 October 2017 |
| Background and Issues Paper released | 3 November 2017 |
| Additional information and case studies made available | 27 November 2017 |
| Submissions period opens | 27 November 2017 |
| Public meetings in Perth, the Midwest and the Kimberley | February and April 2018 |
| Submission period closes | 19 March 2018 |
|
Provision of Final Report to Minister |
2018 |
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