Media release – The Wilderness Society, 15 June 2021

Morrison Govt to auction off seabed next to King Island for oil and gas exploration

The Morrison Government has today released its annual 2021 swathe of offshore acreage to the oil and gas industry. It has released some 80,000 square kilometres of new seabed in Commonwealth waters, including one area that completely surrounds Victoria’s 12 Apostles Marine National Park, less than 3 nautical miles from the 12 Apostles themselves. The Acreage Release also adds further areas to the west of highly contentious existing exploration acreage on the seabed near Tasmania’s King Island.

Last month the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its Net Zero by 2050 Report that clearly stated that oil and gas exploration beyond 2021 is inconsistent with its roadmap to Net Zero emissions by 2050 and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Tom Allen, of the Wilderness Society Tasmania said, “this ongoing, mindless release of our seabed and marine environment for fossil fuel interests needs an urgent and complete rethink. Only this month the International Energy Agency said acreage releases need to stop this year and for there to be no more new oil and gas exploration if we are to meet net zero emissions by 2050.

“The carving up of the oceans to hand them to the fossil fuel companies happens without any environmental consideration and without any meaningful space for the community to have their say.

“We are confident that if the King Island community was asked if it wants seismic blasting and drilling for oil and gas in its waters, it would give a resounding “NO!”. The islanders are deeply connected to the sea and depend on a healthy marine environment for their way of life.

“The Morrison Government ignores the real cost of exploration to our oceans and communities like the King Island community, which has been fighting existing seismic testing plans thrust upon it and its fisheries.

“Our marine environments, and the local communities and existing industries that depend on their health, simply shouldn’t have to bear the burdens and costs of offshore exploration to enable speculation for an industry that has passed its use-by-date,” concluded Mr Allen.