Communities Celebrate as TGS Scraps Seismic Blasting Plan
Seismic blasting multinational TGS announced this morning their decision to abandon plans for the Otway Basin seismic blasting project, officially withdrawing from the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) assessment.
Initially, TGS’s plan involved blasting the Otway Basin off Victoria’s west coast with 250 decibels of noise—more deafening than an atomic bomb—every 10 seconds, around the clock, for months in order to search for new oil and gas reserves. With the largest seismic blasting proposal worldwide, they aimed to cover an area of 7.7 million hectares. Continuous community resistance over two and a half years eventually scaled down the project until today’s complete withdrawal.
This significant decision follows sustained community opposition, including efforts from the Gunditjmara-led Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective (SOPEC) and Friends of the Earth, along with partnerships with local environmental organizations like the Otways Coastal Environment Action Network (OCEAN), Surfrider Foundation Australia, and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), among others.
The proposal from TGS stirred concerns among First Nations groups, marine biologists, environmentalists, local residents, fishermen, swimmers, and surfers. Hundreds have rallied behind the Gunditjmara-led SOPEC, advocating for an end to seismic blasting on Sea Country and calling for investment in First Nations-led climate solutions.
Freja Leonard, the coordinator for the No More Gas campaign, expressed her relief:
“This project spelled disaster for the Southern Ocean and all marine life in the Otway Basin. It would have devastated fisheries and harmed the birthing and feeding grounds of many iconic species, including the southern right whale and the endangered pygmy blue whale. Today’s decision is a victory for the Gunditjmara community, fishers, the ocean, and the climate.”
“TGS’s withdrawal is a powerful community win, signaling to the seismic blasting industry that they can no longer expect their destructive activities to gain approval without facing substantial scrutiny and resistance.”
“Seismic blasting is just the gateway to a polluting, heavily damaging gas industry motivated solely by profit. The climate crisis cannot withstand any new gas projects, and we call upon the Federal Resources Minister to plan for the cessation of gas exploration and production in Australia.”
Yaraan Couzens-Bundle, Keerray Woorroong and Gunditjmara Whale Dreaming Custodian and spokesperson for SOPEC, shared their elation:
“SOPEC members and families rejoice at the news! Koontapool (southern right whale) is another step closer to the protection our oceanic family deserves!” said Couzens-Bundle.
“We stand united in our dedication to protecting the whale songline and all other interconnected songlines as per our ancient customs, laws, and responsibilities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this fight, including the many groups within the Southern Ocean Defence Alliance. Special thanks to the Blak mothers and fathers who put their lives on hold to defend sacred connections. Our children watched and stood firm, no matter the challenges. Thank you all, for Koontapool and sacred Sea Country.”
Key Facts:
- The community triumphed after 2.5 years of opposing the world’s largest seismic blasting project, with TGS withdrawing their application.
- Seismic blasting is used by the fossil fuel industry to locate new offshore gas and oil reserves.
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