Seismic blasting: Regulator presses pause as community rallies

CORANGAMITE federal member Libby Coker has said she will remain vigilant in monitoring a proposal for seismic blasting in the Otway Basin following a decision by the government regulator to halt the process until the energy companies meet the requirement of the permit.

Energy company SLB—formerly known as Schlumberger—and data firm TGS are seeking a joint special prospecting permit from the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) to conduct blasting.

Following the meeting with Ms Coker, a NOPSEMA spokesperson said the authority will not accept the environment plan (EP) until the requirements of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2023 have been met.

“I remain concerned about the inadequacy of consultation with First Nations people, local business and community groups, and I will continue to advocate on their behalf,” Ms Coker said.

“These decisions can impact their lives and livelihoods.

“I’m pleased that the regulator has listened and we have an interim outcome, but there’s a long way to go yet.

Surfrider national campaign director Drew McPherson said it was a small win that meant the EP was getting a more thorough assessment, which is what NOPSEMA is there to do.

“If this gets approved, it will get approved without us actually getting to look over the EP.

“But don’t get me wrong, it’s a small win. It pushes this project further back, and it’s wind in the sails for communities.

“That’s going to be good news for them to hear today as they paddle out for the protection of their oceans and coastlines.

“It’s a good little win, but it’s not the end.”

Ms Coker said the timeframe for the company to respond was not defined, so the community needed to remain vigilant.

“I remain concerned that these very well-resourced companies were unable to put together an environment plan that was up to standard.”

Ms Coker’s comments come ahead of the Surfrider Paddle Out at Cosy Corner beach in Torquay at noon today.

“The Paddle Out on the eve of the Rip Curl Pro reflects the level of concern the community is feeling about this proposal,” Ms Coker said.

“I will be dropping by Cosy Corner to listen to the community and their concerns.”

In recent days the World Surf League has thrown its weight behind the event.

“We want to make this the biggest paddle out ever, to show our opposition to the biggest seismic blasting proposal ever,” a WSL One Ocean spokesperson said.

A NOPSEMA spokesperson said part of the assessment process includes the manner in which the consultation process has been conducted.

“NOPSEMA cannot prescribe how a titleholder undertakes consultation or influence them to respond in a certain manner but will assess whether the consultation process has been designed and executed to ensure that relevant persons are identified and provided with sufficient information and a reasonable period to allow them to make an informed assessment of the possible impacts and risks the proposed petroleum activity may have on their functions, interests or activities.”

“The Regulations are also intended to ensure the titleholder considers and adopts appropriate measures in response to any matters raised by relevant persons, which will in turn inform the management of environmental impacts and risks to which the activity and EP relate.”

“We will not accept the EP until the requirements of Regulations have been met.”

“EP assessments have a 30-day statutory timeframe which can be extended by the regulator.”

“At present it is not possible to say when the assessment will be completed.”

Today’s paddle out at Cosy Corner Beach (opposite Price Street), Torquay, begins at 11:30 am, with participants heading into the water at noon.

Attendees are reminded to bring sunscreen, a hat, appropriate swimwear, plenty of water, signs/banners, and their board of choice.

Parking is recommended at The Esplanade Carpark near Point Danger.

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