Southern Ocean win sparks community celebration in Torquay

A MAJOR victory in the fight to protect the Southern Ocean from offshore gas exploration will be marked with a celebration in Torquay this month.

The Big Ocean Boogie, to be held tomorrow (Saturday, February 22) at the Torquay SLSC clubhouse, will bring together community members and campaigners who led the push to safeguard 7.7 million hectares of ocean off Victoria’s south coast.

In September last year, with their campaign in full swing, activists secured an unexpected victory when global data company TGS abruptly shelved its controversial 3D seismic blasting proposal.

The decision, announced in a brief email, cited shifting corporate priorities: “With competing global priorities, TGS have decided not to proceed with the preparation of the Otway 3D Multi-client Marine Seismic Survey Environment Plan at this time. We have notified NOPSEMA of this decision, withdrawing the current Environment Plan from NOPSEMA assessment.”

The move came as a surprise to many within the movement, who had been preparing for a prolonged fight.

Angus Cormick, operations manager at Surfrider Foundation Australia, said the event would recognise the efforts of those who had fought to protect the coastline.

“It’s amazing to see the community move the dial on something like this; people from all different spaces and backgrounds put in the hard yards to protect the places they love – it really displays the power of uniting and using our voice.

“It’s not often you get a win like this, so we wanted to make sure everyone can celebrate each other’s hard work.”

Geotechnical company CGG is now pursuing plans for a new seismic blasting project off the south-west Victorian coast.

Organisers say tomorrow’s event will serve as both a celebration and a call to action for ongoing opposition.

The Big Ocean Boogie will feature performances from Pasiflorez, a surf-rock and funk-infused band from the Northern Rivers, as well as Suneden, known for their soul-funk sound, and Daniel Aaron, an indie-roots musician who incorporates the yidaki (didgeridoo) into his music.

Funds raised will support Surfrider Foundation Australia in its mission to protect Australia’s coastline.

Tickets are available online via Humanitix, with all proceeds going toward conservation efforts.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society will hold a separate public event on March 29 at Logan Beach in Warrnambool, calling for an urgent moratorium on seismic blasting.