Say NO to gas drilling in Victoria
The Federal Government is accepting submissions until February 6th via a survey form. Greenpeace has drafted the below letter which we will submit on behalf of every individual who adds their name in support.
Show the Federal Government just how much local opposition there is to new gas exploration off the coast of Victoria
TIP: Include an additional personal message we will include that in our submission - your message will make it much more powerful!
Submission text:
We, the undersigned individuals and Victorian residents, urge the Federal Government to protect our oceans and climate and abandon plans for any further gas exploration in the Otway Basin.
From seismic blasting to offshore drilling, gas exploration and production is always harmful to marine life and the climate. Seismic blasting releases equivalent noise to the Hiroshima bomb that can impact marine life thousands of kilometres away and has dangerous impacts on everything in its path.
The new acreage being offered up is home to 42 threatened species. The Otway Basin is also critical habitat for the endangered southern right whale and pygmy blue whales, dolphins, and little penguins. An incident, like a leak or a spill, in such an important ecosystem could have serious impacts, not only on marine life, but also on water quality, coastal habitats and vital local industries like fishing and tourism.
There is now scientific consensus that there is no pathway to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees which involves new gas extraction projects, and some existing projects will need to leave gas in the ground. This makes support for new gas supply projects in Australia fundamentally incompatible with the Paris Agreement, which Australia is a party to. The Albanese government has also signed the Global Methane Pledge, committing to reduce methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels. Opening up the Otway basin to more gas exploration is in direct opposition to these global commitments.
Victoria is already on the path to phasing out gas, with homes and businesses electrifying at a record pace to reduce demand. The government's own data shows that existing projects already far exceed what is needed for the transition. By redirecting gas that is currently being exported and cutting demand for gas in Victoria, we can meet our current needs without any new drilling. For our climate, for our oceans, and for the safety of our communities - please don't open up new areas for further gas exploration in Victoria and invest in more clean energy instead.
Please add your name and postal code to endorse this Greenpeace submission, as well as an optional message about why this issue is important to you.
Submission | Victoria Gas
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