2025-02-07
The Greens are calling for the Albanese Government to reject Beach Energy’s grossly unpopular plans for new fossil fuel extraction in the Otway Basin, after NOPSEMA approved the projects overnight.
The call comes as concerns continue to be raised that the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) – the government agency that is supposed to have oversight and regulate the environmental management of the offshore fossil fuel industry – is flawed and based on inadequate legislation.
Beach Energy’s new drill sites are located approximately 20 km south of the Victorian mainland and 40 km west of Tasmania (King Island).
If approved by the Albanese Government, drilling is expected to commence imminently, with an operational life of up to 30 years.
Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for Healthy Oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“Coastal communities along Victoria and Tasmania’s coastlines have shown up in droves to protest the expansion of polluting fossil fuel projects in their oceans – the question is whether the Albanese government is listening to the community, or to the demands of dirty oil and gas companies.
“NOPSEMA is supposed to have oversight and regulate the environmental management of the offshore fossil fuel industry. However, the legislative framework is fundamentally flawed and set up to rubber stamp new fossil fuel developments. This needs to change.
“The Albanese Government stopped PEP-11 from going ahead because of immense community opposition. There’s no reason Labor can’t do the same here. Setting a precedent for stopping destructive offshore oil and gas projects in our oceans should be something to celebrate, not cower from.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens Deputy Leader, Sarah Mansfield:
“This is unforgivable. We are in a climate crisis, yet Labor governments at all levels continue to roll out the red carpet for the oil and gas lobby.
“We saw the State Labor Government approve gas production near the 12 Apostles just last year. Now, the toothless federal regulator has given the green light for another three wells - along with two more next to the precious Zeehan marine park.
“This is an affront to future generations who will have to live with the climate consequences of these decisions.
“Labor must finally come out and put a legislative ban on new coal, oil and gas projects.”