2021-09-07
The Victorian Greens will today introduce a motion to prevent new gas drilling near the 12 Apostles, citing gas as one of the leading causes of the climate crisis.
Last month the Victorian Labor Environment Minister, Lily D'Ambrosio, signed off on a proposal from Beach Energy to drill for gas underneath Port Campbell National Park, which runs adjacent to the iconic limestone stacks.
The Greens’ motion, if passed, would overturn the Labor Government’s decision and ensure those waters remain untouched.
Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell, said at a time when the world's climate scientists are saying gas, coal and oil are destroying our planet, it’s outrageous that the Victorian Government is happy to drill for more.
She added that any gas drilling at the 12 Apostles could have a devastating impact on the local marine life, as humpback whales, orca whales and southern right whales use the area as a migratory route each winter, so that females can give birth and raise their young.
An open letter from the Greens calling on the government to reverse its decision has already amassed 10,000 signatures.
It’s clear that Victorians want our beautiful environment and precious marine life protected, and our iconic landmarks unsullied by dirty fossil fuels. The question is whether the government will listen.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP:
"It's outrageous that the Victorian Labor Government is allowing new gas drilling near the 12 Apostles, right when climate scientists say we must leave all fossil fuels in the ground.
“We’re calling on all MPs who love our state's iconic 12 Apostles to support this Greens motion to stop gas drilling, and to reject billionaire-owned Beach Energy's plans to drill for gas at such an iconic and precious place."