Wannon Independent Backs Urgent Moratorium on Seismic Blasting
- AMCS welcomes Alex Dyson’s support for urgent moratorium on seismic blasting
- All election candidates urged to back abolition of “cowboy” Special Prospecting Authority (SPA) Permits
- Seismic blasting threatens marine life – federal government must heed scientific evidence and community demands for stronger protections
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) welcomes the Independent candidate for Wannon, Alex Dyson, in supporting our campaign urging the Australian Government to declare an immediate moratorium on seismic blasting for offshore fossil fuel exploration.
Louise Morris, Campaign Manager for the AMCS Offshore Fossil Fuel campaign, said:
“We welcome the Independent candidate for Wannon standing with community groups in support of our campaign for an urgent moratorium on seismic blasting—an issue AMCS has been advocating for since November 2024. This call for immediate action came just days after the Hon Dr Monique Ryan tabled a Private Members’ Bill, with support from Liberal MP for Bass, Bridget Archer.”
Ms Morris, who is in Canberra this week meeting with federal MPs, stressed the urgent need for political backing to abolish Special Prospecting Authority (SPA) Permits, known as “cowboy” seismic blasting permits, and to enforce a national moratorium while the recommendations from the Senate Inquiry, Making Waves: The Impact of Seismic Testing on Fisheries and the Marine Environment, are implemented.
“We urge all candidates in the upcoming federal election to join the growing movement demanding national action to protect our oceans and marine life from seismic blasting. This is a critical national issue, with threats looming from Warrnambool in the Otway Basin, Scott Reef off Western Australia, and multiple locations off the Northern Territory.
“The federal government must listen to scientific experts and the will of the community by declaring an immediate moratorium on seismic blasting and enacting the recommendations of the 2021 Making Waves Senate Inquiry. This inquiry clearly outlined the serious harm caused by seismic blasting and the pressing need for further research into its long-term effects on marine ecosystems,” Ms Morris said.
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For media comment: Louise Morris 0474 489 798
Authorised by Tooni Mahto, Australian Marine Conservation Society, Brisbane
Image credit: © Christian Åslund / Greenpeace