Leak allegations raise questions over Otway Basin gas drilling

A GAS company exploring for new offshore gas reserves near the Twelve Apostles is under scrutiny following reports of a methane leak at its Darwin LNG facility.

ConocoPhillips, which is test drilling in the Otway Basin off Victoria’s south-west coast, operated the Darwin LNG facility until selling its stake to Santos in 2020. Media reporting last week revealed allegations of a major methane leak during its tenure.

The allegations have drawn criticism from environmental groups including Greenpeace Australia Pacific, who say the incident raises concerns about offshore gas operations near sensitive marine habitats in Victoria.

“If ConocoPhillips intentionally covered up a massive incident in Darwin, who’s to say they won’t do it in the Otway Basin too?” Greenpeace head of climate and energy Joe Rafalowicz said.

“The Otway Basin is an incredibly important area for marine life, including southern right whales, pygmy blue whales, dolphins and little penguins. An incident here could have serious impacts on wildlife, water quality, and industries like fishing and tourism.”

The Otway Basin exploration project involves deep-sea drilling off the coast of Port Campbell and the Bay of Islands Coastal Park.

In a statement, ConocoPhillips Australia said it sold its interest in Darwin LNG in May 2020 and refuted any allegation of a cover-up during its time as operator. “We transparently engaged with the regulator and operated the facility under relevant regulatory approvals,” a spokesperson said.

Earlier this year, Woodside accidentally released large amounts of plastic waste during a decommissioning operation off Port Campbell, prompting criticism from conservationists and the local fishing sector.

Greenpeace has called for greater scrutiny of offshore operators and a shift away from new gas approvals, saying incidents such as the Darwin LNG leak undermine public confidence in industry regulation.

Published: 1.35pm, September 15
Updated: 4.16pm, September 15