Victorian Greens push for offshore drilling ban to protect marine life

THE Victorian Greens have introduced a bill to ban new offshore oil and gas projects in Victorian waters, aiming to protect coastlines and marine life.

This move comes a month after the NSW Labor Government made a similar pledge.

The proposed legislation, known as the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (No New Oil or Gas Activities) Bill 2022, seeks an immediate halt to offshore drilling, exploration, pipelines, and infrastructure developments.

Currently, Victoria faces over a dozen gas projects, including the TGS/SLB-Schlumberger proposal for seismic blasting across a significant area of the Otway Basin.

A seismic survey vessel towing air guns as evidence that seismic blasting devastates marine life continues to grow. Photo: AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE

Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell, criticised Labor’s ongoing support for new oil and gas drilling amidst a climate crisis.

“This summer we’ve seen the horrific impacts of climate change – storms, floods, and fires have ravaged Victoria and devastated communities.

“Yet Labor in Victoria continues to support new gas drilling, which makes fires, storms and floods more intense.

“Even the NSW Government has said they will ban offshore gas drilling – so how can Labor in Victoria justify supporting more oil and gas drilling, including next to the 12 Apostles marine national park?”

Last week, Corangamite federal member, Libby Coker, called for a halt to the decision on seismic blasting in the Otway Basin until a proper review has taken place.

In a letter to Sue McCarrey, CEO of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), Ms Coker outlined serious grievances with the “deeply flawed consultation” process undertaken.

Libby Coker (right) has called for a halt on the decision of seismic blasting in the Otway Basin in a letter to NOPSEMA chief executive officer Sue McCarrey (Left).

The Victorian Greens bill comes as the Surfrider Foundation Australia gears up for a major paddle-out event at Torquay’s Cosy Corner later this month to protest the proposed seismic blasting.

The March 23 event aims to be the largest of its kind and seeks to rally community support against what is described as the world’s most extensive seismic permit.

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