2021-10-14
The Victorian Labor Government and the Victorian Liberal National Opposition have voted down a Greens motion that would have prevented new gas drilling near the 12 Apostles from going ahead.
A number of crossbenchers also voted against the motion with only Fiona Patten MLC, Andy Meddick MLC and Clifford Hayes MLC voting in favour.
Earlier this year the Environment Minister gave consent to Beach Energy to drill for new gas underneath Port Campbell National Park, in state-owned waters that run adjacent to the 12 Apostles.
The Greens’ motion would have prevented the gas drilling from going ahead, by disallowing this consent.
Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell, said Labor, Liberal and National MPs had let down both the community and the environment by agreeing to allow gas drilling near the 12 Apostles.
She added that 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 Labor Government is happy to drill for more.
An open letter from the Greens calling on the government to stop gas drilling has already amassed more than 11,000 signatures.
The Greens say they will continue to fight this proposal with the community to protect the iconic landmark and our precious marine life.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP:
“In the middle of a climate crisis it’s outrageous that the Labor Victorian Government is allowing new gas drilling off Victoria's iconic coastline.
“We need to protect our environment and precious animals by transitioning away from fossil fuels, not drilling for more of it.”