Survey reveals strong opposition to seismic blasting

NEW data reveals strong community opposition to seismic blasting, with an overwhelming majority expressing concerns about its environmental impact.

Over the past six months, the Otway Coastal Environment Action Network (OCEAN) conducted a survey to gauge community opinion on seismic blasting.

The survey, distributed at community events, consultation sessions, local markets, and through social media, received 1,082 responses.

A significant 92 per cent of respondents said they were very concerned about the impacts of seismic blasting in the Otway Basin, while 6 per cent were somewhat concerned.

Only 1 per cent were not at all concerned, and none were neither concerned nor unconcerned.

The survey revealed 34 per cent of respondents were from the electorate of Corangamite, 29 per cent from Wannon, and 37 per cent from other areas.

When asked if they support or oppose seismic blasting, 91 per cent of respondents said they were strongly opposed, 6 per cent were opposed, and 1 per cent were neutral.

Another 1 per cent supported seismic blasting, and 1 per cent strongly supported it.

In terms of community consultation, 87 per cent of respondents felt they had not been adequately consulted, while only 8 per cent felt they had been, and 5 per cent were unsure.

When asked if their local MP’s stance on seismic blasting would affect their vote in the future, 81 per cent said it would, 10 per cent said it would not, and another 10 per cent were unsure.

OCEAN Campaign manager Mitch Pope said that despite the survey not being conducted with strict scientific methods, the volume of responses alone provided insight into a growing swell of discontent within the community.

Seismic surveying, also known as seismic blasting, is a precursor to offshore oil and gas drilling.

It involves ships towing setups of airguns and sound receivers through the water.

These devices release intense blasts into the ocean to map the ocean floor.

The blasts reach a rating of 250 decibels, which is higher than that of atomic bombs.

A seismic blasting mega project is currently proposed for the Otway Basin.

Data company TGS and energy company SLB have applied for a controversial Special Prospecting Authority (SPA) permit to carry out the work.

In March, government regulator NOPSEMA returned the project’s Environment Plan citing issues with the consultation process.

Several drop-in sessions were run but TGS declined to hold consultation sessions on the Surf Coast.

Labor member for Corangamite Libby Coker wrote to TGS in May requesting a consultation session in Torquay.

Replying to Ms Coker’s request, TGS stated past interactions on the Surf Coast had raised potential safety concerns.

Campaign manager Mitch Pope said that excuse was absurd.

“TGS declined a consultation request for Torquay by Libby Coker, with their reason being that past interactions in Torquay had raised potential safety concerns,” Mr Pope said.

“TGS have never visited Torquay for consultation, and if they have, no one knew about it.”

Last week Liberal member for Wannon Dan Tehan added his support to growing calls for TGS to consult with coastal towns.

“No one should be afraid of consultation,” Mr Tehan said.

Mr Tehan said the size of the proposed project was too large.

“I have deep concerns,” Mr Tehan said.

“What has tended to happen normally when these licences are granted is it’s the proponent themselves that seeks the licence.

“So they’ve got a direct interest in proper community consultation.

“With this, the size of it is too large and the community consultation has suffered as a result of that.”

“OCEAN welcomes Dan Tehan’s calls for consultation in Lorne and Aireys Inlet,” Mr Pope said.

“Dan said he would personally facilitate a session if TGS are concerned for their safety, and OCEAN would be happy to support him.”

TGS did not respond to requests for interviews prior to publication.