Renewables advocates slam Victoria’s new gas licence proposals

TWO environmental groups have slammed the Victorian government for possible petroleum exploration licences in the Otways, saying the state’s focus should be on renewables instead of gas.

Last week, the Victorian government announced its proposal to invite applications for two permits.

One of them is in the offshore Otway Basin in state waters, covering an area of 54sqkm between Warrnambool and Port Campbell.

According to the Engage Victoria consultation page for the possible tender, which is open until September 9, the areas for consultation in the Otways and Gippsland “have been identified by the industry as the areas of most interest for exploration”.

Environment Victoria senior climate and energy Advisor Dr Kat Lucas-Healey described the tender as an “invitation to wring out the last of Victoria’s gas” that would “in effect invite more damaging climate pollution into Victoria, at a time when local communities are keen to transition to a renewable powered future“.

“Every new petroleum license issued means more climate pollution harming the marine environment and causing extreme weather impacts. These licenses will mean drilling near sensitive coastal areas such as Jack Smith Lake and the Bay of Islands along the Great Ocean Road.

“It is disappointing that the Allan Government is still leaving the door open to seismic blasting in our marine environments. Victoria’s coastal communities have been very clear that they do not accept seismic blasting. Seismic blasting disrupts feeding and migration patterns, wipes out krill and even causes hearing loss in whales.”

Friends of the Earth Melbourne offshore gas campaigner Stan Woodhouse said Victorians wanted and needed electrification, not more gas.

“This move from the Allan Government betrays their lack of vision.

“The fabled east coast shortfall has sensible solutions and this is not one of them. The government needs to demonstrate leadership instead of folding to pressure from the fossil
fuel industry.

“The Victorian government’s responsibility is to communities and the Country they depend on, not the boards and shareholders of resource companies.

“The science is very clear: if we are to limit warming enough to keep out heads above water, fossil fuels need to stay in the ground.”

The Engage Victoria website states the Victorian government “aims to minimise seismic surveys where possible”.

“Companies are encouraged to reduce the impact of their exploration activities by using existing data.

“Once the feedback period has ended, Resources Victoria will consolidate relevant information into the tender documents.

“The tender of areas does not automatically result in the award and grant of exploration permits.”

For more information, head to engage.vic.gov.au/petroleum-exploration-permit-tender