2022-02-23
The Victorian Greens have said Victoria should follow the lead of NSW and ban offshore drilling for coal and gas to protect the state’s precious coastline and marine life.
Earlier today the NSW Government announced its coastal waters would be protected from any future mineral, coal or gas exploration licences.
In response, Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens Ellen Sandell will introduce a Bill to the Victorian Parliament in the coming weeks that implements a similar ban in Victoria.
The Greens have been working on this Bill since it emerged last year that the Victorian Labor Government was on the brink of approving new gas drilling right next to Victoria’s iconic 12 Apostles marine park.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP:
“The Victorian community loves our oceans and coastlines, but they’re at risk because Victorian Labor has opened them up for oil and gas drilling across our state, including right near the 12 Apostles.
“Victorian Labor’s aggressive push for more offshore oil and gas drilling in our oceans is a climate disaster and must be stopped.
“They’ve been shown up by the NSW Government on climate change today and must follow NSW’s lead by also banning offshore oil and gas drilling in Victoria.
“The Greens will introduce a Bill to the Victorian Parliament in the coming weeks to ban offshore mining, oil and gas to protect our precious oceans, wildlife and climate.