… into seismic testing following fishing industry concerns
Greens Senator for Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson, and Greens Braddon candidate, Jarrod Edwards, are calling on every Braddon candidate to support the local fishing industry against the oil and gas giants, and back the Greens call for a Senate Inquiry into seismic testing.
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “I have been talking to commercial fishers about the impact of seismic testing on fisheries in Bass Strait for years now and this latest example of the oil interests being put ahead of locals is the final straw. We need to have a Senate Inquiry to lay out the whole process – how the seismic testing affects our marine life and whether the approval process gives a fair go to communities to have their say.
“This company trying to get approval to do this seismic testing off King Island has seemingly put a lot of noses out of joint. Old salts are really worried about what it will mean to their livelihoods and they don’t feel like they are being listened to.
Jarrod Edwards said, “The fossil fuel sector comes in, takes the oil and gas, and gives nothing back to communities but global warming. Instead, a sustainable fishing industry provides food and jobs for thousands of years. I know which one I back.
“Whiteley and Keay, and even Garland, should back the Greens on this. We are the ones talking to the community and using our position in Parliament to make a difference. We are about action, not just words,” he concluded.
The details of the rejected application are here: https://www.nopsema.gov.au/environmental-management/activity-status-and-summaries/details/434
Proposed Senate Inquiry terms of reference below:
The following matter be referred to the Environment & Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by December 2018:
The impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment, with particular reference to:
a. the regulation of seismic testing in both Commonwealth and state waters, and the responsibilities of federal and state governments;
b. the consultation process regarding the approval of seismic testing;
c. the extent to which the potential impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment is taken into account during the consultation process;
d. the approach taken to seismic testing internationally, particularly in relation to potential impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment;
e. recent scientific findings related to the impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment; and
f. any other related matters.
Greens Senator for Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson
