Hundreds of residents rally in Ocean Grove against seismic blasting

HUNDREDS of Ocean Grove locals have taken to the streets to protest seismic blasting in the Otway Basin.

The rally, organised by the Otway Coastal Environment Action Network (OCEAN), saw the community gather last Saturday at Ocean Grove Park.

The march moved through the main street to the Ocean Grove lookout, where locals and experts voiced concerns about the threat seismic blasting poses to marine life.

Campaign manager and Ocean Grove local Mitch Pope said the rally’s goal was to raise awareness about seismic blasting’s damaging effects on the oceans.

“We are rallying to show our opposition to seismic blasting and the gas development in the Otway Basin.

“When people find out what it is, they are generally pretty horrified and ask what they can do to help stop it.”

Seismic testing and drilling proposals are presently in place off the Victorian coast, and Mr Pope highlighted the multinational companies’ plans to blast 5.5 million hectares of the Otway Basin, nearly the size of Tasmania.

“They will release blasts in the water that are as loud as an atomic bomb, measured at 259 decibels. These go off every 10 seconds, 24 hours a day, for up to 400 days,” he said.

The rally is part of a larger campaign, including three major rallies and 10 events along the Great Ocean Road.

OCEAN founder Lisa Deppeler said the summer campaign will spotlight the proposal by TGS and Schlumberger to 3D seismic blast off the west coast of Victoria.

“This massive proposal covers an area almost the size of Tasmania and will displace, injure, and kill an untold number of marine species, including the endangered southern right whale and the blue whale.

“The proposed project intercepts with two marine parks and two whale sanctuaries. If successful, it will be the largest 3D seismic project in history, right here in our backyard.”

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker thanked community advocates for their efforts.

“Our oceans are precious and we need to do everything we can to protect them,” she said.

“That’s why I’d like to congratulate all community members who have advocated on this issue, I am listening to you and will continue to raise your concerns with our Minister for Resources.”

“We must ensure that TGS, Schlumberger and other companies properly consult with our community on these proposed seismic surveys.”

A screening of Southern Blast will be held in Wye River on Saturday, January 13, and a rally and street march will take place in Apollo Bay on January 14.

Further details available here: ocean.org.au/greatoceanrescue