OLIVIA Newton-John attack on the mining industry

OLIVIA Newton-John has launched a scathing attack on the mining industry after learning several sites near her luxury Byron Bay resort were under threat.

The star has written an open letter to Australians warning about the industry practice of hydraulic fracturing. Known as fracking, the process involves pumping a large volume of water mixed with sand and chemicals into rock to create frissures that allow trapped natural gas to be released.

In her missive, Newton-John says she is "horrified to learn of the extensive plans for coal-seam gas and shale gas exploration in Australia".

"The public's awareness as to what is happening, and the potential consequences to our health and our land, shows that it's time for some serious inquiries," the singer wrote.

Despite encouraging others to do so, Newton-John said she had not yet raised the issue with her local MP. "I am hoping to just raise awareness so that other people can ask questions and bring it to the attention of all Australians.


"Many of my friends and family were not even aware of what was going on until they heard from me," she said.

While there is a moratorium on fracking in NSW until the end of the year, the industry is set to become a significant contributor to the state's energy supply, with companies undertaking appraisals in Gunnedah and the Clarence-Moreton basins, home to Newton-John's Gaia Retreat.

The star is demanding to know evidence that coal-seam gas mining does not pollute drinking water, what chemicals are being used in fracking and why companies are exempt from revealing them.

"Until these questions are answered, I respectfully request a moratorium on the coal-seam gas exploration and mining in Australia until all risks have been fully explored," she said.

tsG(June), while environmentalists in other countries have been lobbying for tough restrictions for the industry.

Shortly after fracking began in the UK seaside resort of Blackpool, two tremors shook the surrounding area earlier this year, and after researchers linked the two, fracking operations were halted.

possesses the majority of the country's coal seam gas supply but NSW also has huge reserves, though the industry here is not as developed.

Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association CEO Belinda Robinson said fracking had been used in Australia for decades.

coal seam gas supplied more than 90 per cent of Queensland's gas"I'm not sure what experience Ms Newton-John has with the Australian oil and gas industry, but Ms Robinson added that "if Ms Newton-John did her research she would find (they) coal-seam gas and fracking are not the frightening technologies she describes".

Ms Robinson said that all chemicals used in fracking operations in Australia were readily available on the association's website, as well as that of every company who uses fracking, and most of them would be found around the home.

UK House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee found in May that fracking did not pose a direct risk to underground water supplies.