One Nation backs Greens' bid for permanent fracking ban on SA’s Limestone Coast

In the South Australian parliament, One Nation MP Jason Virgo declared that his party’s seven state members will support a Greens-introduced bill to make the ban on hydraulic fracturing permanent on the Limestone Coast. Virgo, who won the MacKillop seat, said he backs fracking in other parts of the state but believes the South East’s aquifer and farming interests require stricter safeguards. The current 10-year moratorium, imposed by the former Marshall Liberal government, is set to expire in 2028, and Labor’s proposal to end it two years early is likely to be defeated in the upper house, where Liberal, Greens and One Nation have signaled opposition.

Virgo praised the Greens’ effort and called for a plebiscite on fracking at next year’s local elections to gauge community sentiment. Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis criticised One Nation’s shift, accusing the party of inconsistency with its federal pro-gas stance. Greens MLC Melanie Selwood welcomed the unexpected alliance, noting the community-driven push against fracking.