The AJP Victoria Submission to the "3D Marine Seismic Survey in the Otway Basin" is now available here. 

CGG Services Australia (CGG) is proposing to undertake the Regia three-dimensional (3D) marine seismic survey (MSS) in Commonwealth waters of the Otway Basin

The purpose of the Regia 3D MSS is to collect high-quality geophysical data about rock formations and structures beneath the seabed and assess potential for new oil and gas discoveries.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the inquiry include:

• Identification and description of environmental features in the environment plan
• Identification and evaluation of environmental impacts and environmental risks described in the environmental plan.
• Management of environmental impacts and environmental risks described in the environment plan.

Our Submission Conclusion 

The Environment Plan submitted by CGG is an inadequate, deficient, inaccurate evaluationof the mounting scientific evidence about the destruction caused by seismic surveys. The Risk Management Plan and risk mitigation strategies are not fit for purpose. The Animal Justice Party is concerned that an application of some 3,332 pages which requires a response within 30 days is unreasonable, unfair, and unachievable to adequately assess the capacity required for basic review (let alone thorough review).

There have been insufficient studies performed on the potential impacts of seismic testing on marine and other animals to be confident that any proposed mitigations to keep them safe from harm will be sufficient.

Additionally, the consultation process has not adequately engaged with local First Nations communities or their representatives in order to determine the impact of this proposal on areas, or species, of cultural significance.

Nor has there been appropriate consultation with other local community members affected by this proposal such as tour operators, or local sea-loving residents. 

Approving this proposal and allowing seismic testing to commence based on insufficient and inadequate information and directly flouting evidence of known negative and even unlawful impacts on wildlife, is not only irresponsible, but potentially criminal.

We urge you to immediately halt this proposal and not allow seismic testing in the Otway Basin.

You can download and read our full submission below.