Environment Tasmania is Tasmania’s Conservation Council and we work together with the state’s community groups, through our grassroots campaigns, to unify the state’s diverse voices. We work to address the most pressing threats facing nature as we strive to build a healthy and resilient Tasmania. To unite and strengthen Tasmania’s nature community; to inspire Tasmanians to connect to nature; and to halt the state’s environmental decline to create a brighter, safer future for all Tasmanians.

Environment Tasmania strongly opposes the opening of five areas for petroleum exploration in the Otway Basin, three of which are located offshore of Tasmania.

This decision reflects a failure of both policy and process. Public consultation was opened over the summer holiday period, with limited supporting information and while industry bidding was already underway. Decisions of this scale require genuine, well-resourced consultation, not a process that creates barriers to meaningful engagement.

This announcement appears to be in direct conflict with the Australian government’s own net-zero emissions targets and commitment to increase protection for Australia’s vibrant marine environments.

Environment Tasmania is deeply concerned at the potential harm that gas exploration could have on marine life in these areas, especially to the 42 threatened species that inhabit the Otway Basin which includes the Pygmy Blue Whale and Southern Right Whale. These risks do not occur in isolation. Seismic blasting, increased vessel traffic, potential drilling and climate-driven ocean warming together create cumulative pressures that significantly increase the likelihood of long-term ecological harm. As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to ‘no new extinctions’, it should be looking to heighten not weaken protection for species that are at risk of extinction.

Three of the proposed areas for petroleum exploration are close to Tasmania and Tasmanian communities on the state's North Coast, West Coast and King Island will be extremely concerned. Fossil fuel exploration carries significant risks to marine life and to those who are dependent on a healthy marine environment for their livelihood.

By offering up these areas to the fossil fuel industry, the Australian Government would be opening a new fossil fuel frontier on Tasmania’s doorstep - not far from the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This places established industries such as tourism, fisheries and recreation at risk, while offering uncertain and short-lived economic benefits that are increasingly misaligned with Tasmania’s long-term clean and wild brand. This will not be welcomed by the vast majority of Tasmanians - particularly Tasmanian businesses that trade using the state’s clean, wild brand.

The proposed acreage release is also concerning due to its proximity to the Zeehan Marine Protected Area, a recognised nursery and habitat for key marine species. With no comprehensive scientific assessment of the area since the 1990s, there is insufficient baseline data to properly assess risks or apply the precautionary principle—particularly given that impacts from offshore exploration extend beyond permit boundaries. In a region with already low levels of marine protection, increased industrial activity near the ZMPA warrants caution.

We have all witnessed the devastating algal bloom that has occurred in South Australia. Climate change and ocean health are intrinsically linked, and activities that further raise marine temperatures or disturb sensitive ecosystems increase the risk of similar events occurring in Tasmanian waters. We know that climate change and ocean health are intrinsically linked. The Australian Government’s opening up of areas off Victoria and Tasmania to the fossil fuel industry will be of grave concern to Victorian and Tasmanian coastal communities. We must reduce (and not increase) activities that raise marine surface temperatures in order to protect marine life and coastal communities from massive algal blooms, the expansion of invasive species and other impacts from climate change.

Less than 18 months ago, a seismic blasting proposal in the Otway Basin had to be withdrawn by the proponent following massive public backlash in Tasmania and Victoria with tens of thousands of public submissions. It is clear that communities in Tasmania and Victoria are against drilling and seismic blasting in the Otway Basin.

Any offshore exploration also raises serious concerns for First Nations Sea Country. Proceeding without the free, prior and informed consent of Traditional Owners risks further harm to cultural heritage and undermines Australia’s commitments to respect Indigenous rights and stewardship of Country.

Rather than opening new fossil fuel frontiers, the Australian Government should prioritise marine protection, climate resilience and a rapid transition to clean energy that safeguards communities, ecosystems and future generations. If the Australian Government does issue titles in these five proposed areas, the community backlash in Victoria and Tasmania will be considerable.

Environment Tasmania calls on the Australian Government to refrain from issuing any petroleum exploration titles in the proposed Otway Basin areas.

Signed:

Rebecca Howarth

Senior Marine Campaigner

Environment Tasmania