Media release – The Wilderness Society Tasmania, 18 August 2021
King Island Seismic Blasting Survey Extended
The survey of King Island residents about whether they support or oppose seismic blasting in King Island waters has been extended.
“The survey has been extended by a week to give everyone a chance to have their say on one of the most critical issues facing the island,” said Tom Allen of the Wilderness Society Tasmania.
“This year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have made it even more explicit that the Morrison Government’s and ConocoPhilips’ pursuit of new fossil fuel is illegitimate, unnecessary and harmful. Even more illegitimate is the fact that no one has asked King Islanders what they want – until now.
“The future of the marine and fishing-dependent island is at stake not just from the threat of seismic blasting but also from the harm of drilling and pollution that could follow,” said Mr Allen.
The announcement of the survey deadline extension comes as surfers paddled out to try and hold up the seismic blasting vessel, the Geo Coral, from leaving Port Geelong.
As the surfers paddled out, they were accompanied by dolphins.
