To the Honourable President and Members of the Senate in Parliament assembled:

The petition of the undersigned shows:

Australia’s Southern Ocean and the Otway Basin are globally significant marine environments that support unique ecosystems and critically important species.

The Otway Basin is a vital feeding and nursery area for marine life, including endangered whale species. These waters are deeply valued by coastal communities for their environmental, cultural and recreational importance.

These environments are now at risk from new offshore oil and gas exploration.

Activities such as seismic blasting and offshore drilling pose serious threats to marine ecosystems and the health of our oceans. At the same time, Australia’s domestic gas demand has already peaked, and the majority of gas produced is exported overseas. New gas projects are not required to meet domestic energy needs.

Coastal communities across the Surf Coast and beyond are calling for the protection of these ocean environments and a responsible transition toward cleaner energy.

The petitioners therefore ask that the Senate:

Reject new oil and gas exploration and development in the Otway Basin and Southern Ocean
Prohibit seismic blasting and offshore exploration activities that threaten marine ecosystems
Strengthen protection of the Southern Ocean through effective and lasting marine safeguards
Support a transition away from new fossil fuel developments in Australian waters.
 
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