End the mindless release of oil & gas acreage in our oceans

End the mindless release of oil & gas acreage in our oceans

Every year the Federal government releases huge swathes of offshore acreage for potential exploration by big oil and gas companies. These areas are chosen at the whim of the petroleum industry, without serious environmental assessment or meaningful engagement with the communities that may be affected by them.

Last year it was the iconic World Heritage listed Ningaloo and Shark Bay, this year it is the Kimberley Coast and the surrounds of the remote Bass Strait islands off Tassie’s northern coast.

The annual acreage release cycle means that each and every year the fossil fuel industry expands into new marine ...

Every year the Federal government releases huge swathes of offshore acreage for potential exploration by big oil and gas companies. These areas are chosen at the whim of the petroleum industry, without serious environmental assessment or meaningful engagement with the communities that may be affected by them.

Last year it was the iconic World Heritage listed Ningaloo and Shark Bay, this year it is the Kimberley Coast and the surrounds of the remote Bass Strait islands off Tassie’s northern coast.

The annual acreage release cycle means that each and every year the fossil fuel industry expands into new marine areas. 

This goes on despite communities across Australia—from the Bight and the Victorian Surf Coast, to Newcastle and King Island—calling loudly for an end to harmful and risky offshore oil and gas exploration in their marine backyards.

Enough is enough. It’s a waiting game each year to see which of our special marine ecosystems ends up on chopping block. This acreage release process gives away our oceans to private interests, making it virtually impossible to ever protect them properly in the future. 

This continues year in, year out, despite the crystal clear need to prioritise urgent climate action and stop the expansion of fossil fuel exploitation.

The Wilderness Society's submission to the Federal Department has been completed and sent in. But together we can make sure our political decision makers understand that tens of thousands of Australians want them to completely rethink this mindless annual acreage release process.

It's not too late to add your name and we will deliver the petition to the Federal Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt, and the Opposition Shadow Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, prior to the announcement of the final acreage release in June 2021.

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Add your name to end the mindless release of oil & gas acreage in our oceans today!

After kicking out Equinor, BP and Chevron from the Great Australian Bight, we know the best way to stop oil drilling projects is to demonstrate community opposition before they even start. Add your name today.

Dear The wilderness Society,

I agree!