By Jena Carr
The Surf Coast community unanimously voted against a proposed seismic blasting project on the Otway Basin during a consultation held last week.
In partnership with Surfrider Surf Coast, Surfrider Foundation Australia hosted the information night in Torquay on Wednesday, June 14, to inform the public about the effects of seismic blasting.
Campaign supporter Annie Ford said it was disappointing that the energy companies behind the proposed project, TGS and Schlumberger (SLB), declined to attend the event.
“Our intention was to share knowledge, educate the community and discuss concerns, and their decline was disappointing from our end,” she said.
“People in this surf coast region are switched on, care, and are willing and ready to stand up against these oil and gas companies.”
Seismic blasting involves aiming powerful sound waves towards the seafloor to access fossil fuels beneath the ocean floor.
Ms Ford said community information sessions and education on seismic blasting were essential as many people were unaware of the impacts it would have on their coastlines.
“It’s their coastline that will be getting impacted, so it is certainly in their interest to stand up, and as a country for us to stand up behind them,” she said.
“A very common line of questioning that we received was they were wanting to know the process and whether they had any influence in the process, whether their voice could be heard.”
Ms Ford said the community voted unanimously against the proposed seismic blasting project.
“They know the lay of the land, they know the information, and they were very passionate to have their say and to learn more,” she said.
“This is urgent, and these are really horrific practises that need to be held accountable for their impact.”
The Indy contacted TGS and SLB for comment but were unable to respond by this article’s release.
