Council to oppose seismic testing

Published on 25 July 2023

Moyne Shire Council will write to the Prime Minister and other State and Federal MPs expressing their opposition to seismic testing and further exploration for oil and gas in the Otway Basin.

Councillors voted to support a notice of motion put forward by Councillor Jordan Lockett which called on Council to lobby the Federal Government who are the decision maker for these permits.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said while Council was not a decision maker on testing or exploration permits, it still could play a role in advocacy.

“It’s similar to our advocacy around proper planning process for new renewable energy developments – we aren’t the decision make for those permits either, but we play a strong role in advocacy,” she said.

“This testing will take place in waters the Commonwealth manages and it’s a federal government agency who makes the decisions on granting permits – but it’s important we make our position known and reflect the views of many people in our community.”

Cr Foster said Cr Lockett’s notice of Motion called for letters to be written to the Prime Minister, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology and other relevant State and Federal MPs.

“I’d also strongly encourage community members to make their thoughts know to the decision makers for these permits,” Cr Foster said.

“We will also launch an EOI for people to join an advisory committee to review Council’s environment strategy to address risks associated with offshore oil and gas exploration. We’ll provide further updates via our usual channels when that process begins.”