The South Australian government is attempting to lift a long-standing moratorium on fracking in the Limestone Coast region, arguing the area could contain enough gas to supply the state for up to 10 years. Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the onshore Otway Basin may hold around 200 petajoules of gas reserves, which he claims could reduce energy prices and create an oversupply of gas across the state. However, the proposal has triggered strong opposition from local farmers and community groups concerned about the impact of fracking on groundwater, farmland and the environment. Farmer Tony Beck, whose family has farmed near Mount Gambier since the 1950s, said many residents were unwilling to risk contamination of underground water systems that support agriculture in the region. Energy analysts have also questioned whether gas companies would consider exploration in the area financially worthwhile, despite the government’s optimism. A bill to end the fracking ban two years early has now been introduced to the South Australian parliament, though it is expected to face resistance in the upper house.