Coker wants seismic blasting decision halted

CORANGAMITE federal member Libby Coker has called for a halt on the decision of seismic blasting in the Otway Basin until a proper review has taken place.

Ms Coker has added her voice to the community’s concerns, criticising what she calls a “deeply flawed consultation” process by TGS/SLB-Schlumberger for seismic blasting in the Otway Basin.

She has sent a letter to the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) outlining serious grievances with the consultation undertaken.

In her March 4 letter, Ms Coker detailed the frustration and anger of constituents.

“Numerous people across my electorate of Corangamite and throughout the broader region of Victoria’s south-west have approached me to voice their anger and frustration at the proponents’ inability to ‘meaningfully engage’ with them.

“In light of these deeply concerning criticisms, I request that NOPSEMA delay a decision regarding the TGS/SLB-Schlumberger proposal until a review is conducted into the consultation process engaged by the proponents.

“It is absolutely essential that the local voices of our First Nations peoples, the business community and residents are heard. The implications of not doing so could have devastating impacts on our environment, local jobs, and the regional economy.

“I will continue to share my concerns and the concerns of my community with the Minister for Resources, the Hon. Madeleine King MP.”

Ms Coker highlighted several critical issues with the consultation process, including poorly advertised public meetings, complex and confusing documentation, a lack of transparency, and an apparent avoidance of face-to-face engagements.

The letter was sent as Surfrider Foundation Australia gears up for a major paddle out event at Torquay’s Cosy Corner later this month to protest the proposed seismic blasting.

The March 23 event aims to be the largest of its kind and seeks to rally community support against the what is described as the world’s most extensive seismic permit.

Seismic blasting, used to locate offshore oil and gas, involves releasing intense blasts into the ocean every 10 seconds, day and night, for up to 400 days.

These blasts, reaching 250 decibels, pose significant risks to marine ecosystems, causing potential habitat abandonment and disrupting marine life’s feeding and mating behaviours.

Marine scientist and Surfrider national campaign manager Annie Ford said the impacts seismic blasting could have on marine ecosystems were unacceptable.

“The only voices arguing seismic blasting doesn’t negatively impact the environment are all coincidentally part of the fossil fuel industry that profits from the practice.”

The campaign has already seen some success, with public pressure reducing the blast area from 7.7 million hectares to 4.5 million hectares.

For more, head to events.humanitix.com/paddle-out-stop-the-southern-blasts