In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Victorian government has approved Beach Energy‘s new offshore gas drilling project near Port Campbell, close to the iconic Twelve Apostles. The decision has been met with strong opposition from environmental groups who argue it contradicts efforts to combat climate change and protect marine ecosystems.
Beach Energy has been permitted to explore for gas in the Otway Basin since May 2019. In 2021, it was revealed that the project received consent from D’Ambrosio to drill beneath the Port Campbell National Park.
The onshore drill site is located 450 meters outside the park, but the bore extends 3.5 kilometers out into the ocean, including a 1.3-kilometer stretch passing underneath the national park.
The site is about 5 kilometers from the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles, one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions. Despite its proximity, the site is outside the Twelve Apostles Marine Park and has met the government’s environmental requirements.
Surfers for Climate, a prominent environmental organization, expressed profound dismay over the approval. CEO Josh Kirkman highlighted the decision’s inconsistency with Victoria’s policy to disconnect homes from the gas grid.
“This project not only threatens the pristine marine environment near the iconic Twelve Apostles but also stands in direct conflict with Victoria’s own policy to disconnect homes from the gas grid,” Kirkman said.
He added, “Approving new offshore drilling in 2024 is a step backward. The Victorian government is sending mixed messages by promoting gas drilling while simultaneously working to reduce household reliance on gas. This inconsistency undermines efforts to reduce cost of living, tackle climate change, and protect our natural environment.”
Kirkman also contrasted Victoria’s decision with New South Wales’ proactive stance on ocean conservation, noting that NSW has implemented a ban on offshore drilling.
“Victoria’s approval of new offshore gas drilling projects contrasts sharply with the New South Wales parliament’s proactive stance on ocean conservation. NSW has implemented a ban on offshore drilling, setting a commendable example of prioritising environmental protection and sustainable development.”
The announcement comes just days before World Oceans Day on June 8th, a global event emphasizing the need to protect our oceans. Surfers for Climate is calling on the Victorian Labor government to reconsider its decision.
“We call on the Victorian Labor government to uphold its commitment to reducing the cost of living, and prioritising a healthy ocean and to join NSW counterparts in banning new offshore drilling,” said Kirkman.
“Our oceans are a vital part of our planet’s health and our heritage. We must act now to ensure their protection for future generations.”
Friends of the Earth Melbourne also condemned the Victorian government’s approval, describing it as a disaster for the climate and marine ecosystems.
Freja Leonard, a No More Gas campaigner, pointed to the severe climate implications of the project.
“The International Energy Agency and climate scientists the world over have for years been warning that we can’t afford a single new fossil fuel project if we are to have any chance of avoiding catastrophic climate change,” Leonard said.
She emphasized the dangers of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
“Methane is around eighty times more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide over a twenty-year period. The coming years are critical if we are to ensure a liveable planet.”
Leonard also criticized Victoria’s heavy reliance on domestic gas, noting that the state uses about a third of the gas burned nationally, with half of it used inefficiently for heating buildings.
Leonard pointed out the inconsistency of Australia’s commitments at COP 26 with its current actions.
“Australia signed on to the Global Methane Pledge at COP 26 – committing to reduce Australia’s methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. Yet ever since then, we have seen more and more gas projects gaining approval.”
Both Surfers for Climate and Friends of the Earth Melbourne remain committed to advocating for policies that protect the environment and promote sustainable living.
They urge the Victorian government to align its actions with the urgent need for climate action and to work towards a future that ensures the protection of our planet and its natural resources.
Related stories
Managing a Media Story on Gas Fracking in Victoria
Meet the frackers: Beach Energy ASX:BPT
What is a social license and how to get one
Beetaloo Basin fracking gas approval sparks outrage
NT Govt Signs Deal for Unapproved Fracking Project
Emissions wildly underestimated from fracking in NT
Fracking incidents on cattle station in Beetaloo Basin NT
UN Secretary-General Calls for Fossil Fuel Advertising Ban
Meet the Frackers: Origin Energy ASX:ORG company information
Santos accused of misleading advertising
Global Methane Pledge: UN launch methane detection satellite
Net Zero+ International Programme for Action on Climate
Climate of the Nation Report: Australia Climate Research
Carbon Credits Used to Plug Orphan Oil & Gas Wells
Best way to reduce climate change is stop gas industry methane leaks
What is Greenwashing and How to spot it
How the Queensland Government fracked the state
Meet the Frackers: Gas explorers in Australia
