Victorian Greens MP Ellen Sandell said the state needed to be doing everything it could to transition away from gas as a “polluting fossil fuel”. Photo: Facebook/Ellen Sandell MP.
Passionate reactions have followed the Victorian Government’s approval of a plan to supply gas from an offshore field near The 12 Apostles.
Developed by Beach Energy Enterprise, the gas extraction project is the first to have been approved by the State Government in a decade.
The offshore field is near Port Campbell, on the Great Ocean Road, where tourists flock to see the picturesque southwest coast and natural landmarks such as The 12 Apostles.
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the State Government had always been clear that “gas has a role to play in Victoria’s energy transition”.
“It’s critical we support Victorian homes and businesses that can electrify, to do so – helping Victorians save on their energy bills and preserving gas supply for use in businesses, manufacturing and power generation.”
Currently the state has only banned fracking and coal seam gas work. However for gas, there are nine onshore and five offshore gas exploration permits.
This most recent approval comes after local community groups spent the summer calling for a ban on offshore gas projects in Victoria’s southern sea, which straddles the coastline of Gunditjmara Country.
Victorian Greens MP Ellen Sandell said in spite of the 14,000 people who signed the petition from a coalition of traditional owners and wider community against the project, gas could start flowing by the end of the month.
“It’s clear that Labor has sold out to the gas lobby and will continue to support it – but the Greens won’t give up,” said Ms Sandell. “We will continue to stand alongside you and fight to ban offshore oil and gas drilling in Victoria, and protect our oceans and our climate.”
Environmental group Surfers for Climate expressed dismay at the project’s approval, claiming it not only threatens the pristine marine environment near the iconic 12 Apostles, but also stands in direct conflict with Victoria’s own policy to disconnect homes from the gas grid.
“The Victorian Government is sending mixed messages by promoting gas drilling while simultaneously working to reduce household reliance on gas,” said its CEO Josh Kirkman. “This inconsistency undermines efforts to reduce cost of living, tackle climate change and protect our natural environment.
“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.”
While Opposition Leader John Pesutto welcomed the project’s approval, he said the state “still faces the very real risk of gas shortfalls in the future”. Mr Pesutto said more gas projects were needed to account for the shutdown of Yallourn Power Station in 2028.
Beach Energy managing director and CEO Brett Woods also welcomed the project’s approval, which has a registered native title agreement and completed Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
“Gas plays a crucial role in supporting Australia through its transition and remains a critical resource to manufacturing industries throughout Victoria,” said Mr Woods.
“Beach’s ongoing exploration, development, and production of local natural gas continues to support Victorian businesses and households, as well as backing up renewable energy.”
