In response to the news that the Victorian government is pressing ahead with two new petroleum exploration license tenders in Gippsland (near Seaspray) and offshore at the Otway Basin, Victoria’s leading environment groups have today joined local community groups in strongly opposing the plans.
Environment Victoria and Friends of the Earth have today warned that the projects have grave environmental impacts from seismic blasting, marine ecosystem damage and groundwater drawdown. Moreover, any new fossil fuel projects would undermine Victoria’s climate targets and the imperative to transition off gas.
Dr Kat Lucas-Healey, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor at Environment Victoria said:
“The government has completely ignored community concerns about seismic blasting and risks to Gippsland’s groundwater in opening up these tenders. These are serious, lasting impacts and for what? For the last dregs of Victorian gas.”
“Gas use in Victorian homes and businesses is plummeting as people switch to much cheaper and more efficient electric alternatives. Opening up new exploration of a rapidly diminishing resource only cultivates uncertainty, which costs households and businesses.”
“Gas networks across Victoria are already shutting down at short notice because gas is so expensive, leaving communities unprepared for change and stuck picking up the tab. Stringing out our addiction to gas makes no sense. The quicker we can switch, the better off we all will be.”
Friends of the Earth Melbourne offshore gas campaigner Stan Woodhouse said:
“When the Victorian Government opened consultation for these exploration permits the community response was swift and damning. Victorians made it clear they do not want new gas exploration and drilling in our delicate ecosystems. Regardless, the Allan government is putting the permits out to tender.”
“Once again Labor has ignored the community and bowed to industry pressure, using the falsehood of the east coast gas crisis to strong-arm communities into accepting unwanted, unnecessary fossil fuel projects.”
“This decision directly opposes the best science that we have available: it is abundantly clear that if we want to have any hope of averting a climate catastrophe there must be no further development of any fossil fuels.”
“Resistance to gas projects in Victoria has a long history. Friends of the Earth has marched alongside farmers from western Victoria and Gippsland to end fracking and worked with communities along the Great Ocean Road to shut down destructive seismic blasting surveys in the Southern Ocean. Victorian communities have repeatedly said no to new gas projects but instead of listening, our leaders pander to the tabloid minority and vested interests.”
“We need leaders who can stand up and fight for us in a climate crisis. We need taming of the gas export industry and robust investment in renewable energy. We do not need new gas projects”