The great ocean rescue tour

APOLLO Bay residents will take to the streets this Sunday, 14 January, to protest proposed seismic blasting in the Otway Basin.

The protest is part of a larger campaign, including three major rallies and 10 events along the Great Ocean Road, to show policymakers that the community rejects these proposals.

Otway Coastal Environment Action Network (OCEAN) founder Lisa Deppeler says the summer campaign will spotlight the current proposal by TGS and Schlumberger to 3D seismic blast off the west coast of Victoria.

 

“This massive proposal covers an area almost the size of Tasmania and will displace, injure, and kill an untold number of marine species, including the endangered southern right whale and the blue whale,” she said.

“The proposed project intercepts with two marine parks and two whale sanctuaries. If successful, it will be the largest 3D seismic project in history, right here in our backyard.”

A similar rally, organised by OCEAN last weekend, saw hundreds from the community gather at Ocean Grove Park.

 

The march moved through the main street to the Ocean Grove Lookout, where locals and experts voiced concerns about the threat seismic blasting poses to marine life.

Campaign manager Mitch Pope said he hoped to see a similarly large turnout in Apollo Bay.

“We are rallying to show our opposition to seismic blasting and the gas development in the Otway Basin,” he said.

 

“When people find out what it is, they are generally pretty horrified and ask what they can do to help stop it.”

Seismic testing and drilling proposals are currently in place off the Victorian coast.

Mr Pope highlighted the multinational companies’ plans to blast 5.5 million hectares of the Otway Basin, nearly the size of Tasmania.

“They will release blasts in the water that are as loud as an atomic bomb, measured at 259 decibels. These go off every 10 seconds, 24 hours a day, for up to 400 days,” Mr Pope said.

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said that she would raise the issue with Perth-based Minister for Resources Madeleine King.

“Our oceans are precious and we need to do everything we can to protect them,” Ms Coker said.

 

“That’s why I’d like to congratulate all community members who have advocated on this issue, I am listening to you and will continue to raise your concerns with our Minister for Resources.”

“We must ensure that TGS, Schlumberger and other companies properly consult with our community on these proposed seismic surveys.”

A film screening of ‘Southern Blast’ will take place at Wye River on January 13 and a rally and street march will occur in Apollo Bay on January 14.

 

Film screenings are also scheduled for Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Portland. A Warrnambool paddle out will take place on January 21.

Full details of rallies and other film screenings along the Great Ocean Road can be found online  ocean.org.au/greatoceanrescue