The Australian Government has opened up five areas to the fossil fuel industry for petroleum exploration in waters between Tasmania and Victoria (Otway Basin). Having already made the decision, the Federal Government then welcomed comments over the summer break - that window for consultation closes Friday.

• Seismic blasting and gas drilling are routine activities associated with petroleum exploration and are widely recognised as activities that can harm marine life

• The Otway Basin is inhabited by 42 threatened species including the Pygmy Blue Whale and Southern Right Whale

• Three areas are located offshore of Tasmania

• The Federal Government’s decision contradicts its own net-zero emissions targets and disregards the scale and urgency of the climate crisis - just last week, Victoria recorded a new statewide maximum temperature of 48.9 °C (27/01/26).

“The Australian Government’s announcement is tone-deaf. Less than 18 months ago, a seismic blasting proposal in the Otway Basin had to be withdrawn following massive backlash from Tasmanian communities. Tasmanians want to see these waters protected to conserve precious marine life and to support long-term employment in coastal communities,” said Rebecca Howarth, Senior Marine Campaigner, Environment Tasmania

“Climate change and ocean health are inextricably linked. The persistent algal bloom on South Australia’s coastline should have acted as a major warning to the Federal Government and it should be doing everything possible to combat our warming waters. Instead, it is pushing the fossil fuel industry ever closer to Tasmania’s shores,” said James Overington, CEO, Environment Tasmania.

Contact: Rebecca Howarth, [email protected], 0493 395868