Hydraulic fracturing, or „fracking‟, involves introducing potentially dangerous chemicals into groundwater systems, with little control or understanding of where they will end up.

NSW Farmers' Association Mining Chair Fiona Simson says there is an urgent need to better regulate the chemicals used in this process.

“It's appalling to think the country‟s chemicals watchdog hasn‟t been required to test these toxins for the purpose of fracking,” Ms Simson said.

“The Association rejects the coal seam gas industry's argument that its chemicals are fully regulated.

“We're aware of only two most commonly used fracking chemicals that have been tested by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, and even these weren‟t regulated for the purpose of fracking.

“This would be unacceptable for the agricultural and veterinary sector, where chemicals are subject to rigorous scientific testing,” Ms Simson said.

The Association understands the need for strict assessment, monitoring and enforcement of chemicals in our industries, and would expect no less from the coal seam gas sector.

“A third of the State is already under petroleum title or assessment, and fracking is already taking place in Gloucester, Lismore and Camden,” Ms Simson said.

“The totally inadequate regulation of fracking chemicals means we simply don‟t know what they could be doing to our precious groundwater systems,” Ms Simson said.

The Association is calling for the implementation of a strategic planning framework for the mining and coal seam gas industries in NSW, which would include independent monitoring of extractive industries and enforced aquifer protection.