Government reassesses seismic survey rules amid Otway blasting delays

THE decision on a seismic blasting proposal in the Otway Basin by TGS/SLB has been delayed again, with the offshore regulator sending the Environment Plan (EP) back to the proponents for further revision.

The proposal, originally expected to be decided around August 15, has now been stalled twice in recent months by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, who has been critical of the process to date acknowledged the ongoing concerns raised by locals.

“After much advocacy from my coastal communities, I’m pleased to say the Albanese Government is reassessing current rules and regulations relating to seismic surveying,” Ms Coker said. “I will continue to provide updates to my communities.”

Australian Marine Conservation Society campaign manager Louise Morris said the EP delay was expected, given what she described as the deeply flawed nature of the proposal.

“This proposal to seismic blast in one of the most biologically important areas of ocean between Victoria and Tasmania has been beset by problems and delays due to the impacts it will have on marine life such as krill and endangered whale species,” Ms Morris said.

“The regulator NOPSEMA has seen fit to send back the EP the joint partnership of TGS/SLB-Schlumberger have put forward for approval, effectively sending it back to the drawing board for a do-over.”

Ms Morris said AMCS had sought clarification from both the regulator and TGS/SLB on what specifically the regulator thought was not fit to pass in this EP.

“We know it is still proposing to do seismic blasting in the Zeehan Commonwealth Marine Park, in blue whale feeding grounds, and in migration grounds for southern right whales as they come to the Surf Coast to calve,” she said.

“Previous reasons for sending these plans back to the drawing board have included insufficient consultation with community groups, affected and impacted industries who also rely on the ocean, and unacceptable impacts to marine life.

Public opposition has been significant, with thousands attending rallies and protests along the Surf Coast.

Ms Morris called on the government to take action by abolishing the Special Prospecting Authority permit.

“The government has the opportunity to stop these seismic blasting proposals in their tracks,” she said.