In response to the news that the Victorian government is inviting fossil fuel companies to apply for two new petroleum exploration licenses in Gippsland and the Otway Basin, Environment Victoria and Friends of the Earth have today expressed their opposition to inviting new fossil fuel exploration in Victoria.
Environment Victoria’s Senior Climate and Energy Advisor Dr Kat Lucas-Healey said:
“Inviting fossil fuel companies to apply for new petroleum licenses to wring out the last of Victoria’s gas is in effect inviting more damaging climate pollution into Victoria, at a time when local communities are keen to transition to a renewable powered future.
“Every new petroleum license issued means more climate pollution harming the marine environment and causing extreme weather impacts. These licenses will mean drilling near sensitive coastal areas such as Jack Smith Lake and the Bay of Islands along the Great Ocean Road.
“It is disappointing that the Allan government is still leaving the door open to seismic blasting in our marine environments. Victoria’s coastal communities have been very clear that they do not accept seismic blasting. Seismic blasting disrupts feeding and migration patterns, wipes out krill and even causes hearing loss in whales.
“It’s time for the Allan government to honour their own ambitions when it comes to reducing emissions – and end exploration licenses for fossil fuels altogether.
“This move directly undermines Victoria’s climate targets to cut emissions by 80% by 2035 and sends the wrong signal that dirty fossil fuels still have a place in Victoria.
“In reality, gas consumption in Victoria is plummeting as people discover that efficient electric alternatives are far cheaper, healthier and better for the climate,” said Dr Lucas-Healey.
Friends of the Earth Melbourne offshore gas campaigner Stan Woodhouse said:
“This move from the Allan Government betrays their lack of vision. Victorian’s want and need electrification, not more gas. The fabled east coast shortfall has sensible solutions and this is not one of them. The Government needs to demonstrate leadership instead of folding to pressure from the fossil fuel industry.
“The Victorian Government’s responsibility is to communities and the Country they depend on, not the boards and shareholders of resource companies. The science is very clear; if we are to limit warming enough to keep out heads above water, fossil fuels need to stay in the ground”
“At every stage of their development, gas projects damage the environment. The act of exploring for new fossil fuel reserves is not benign. Seismic blasting has very real, very violent impacts on marine life. In 2010 seismic blasting killed 24,000 tonnes of scallops in the Bass Strait. What reasonable Government would invite this kind of destruction?” he said.