Skip to content
Environment, Government VIC

Surfers for Climate Condemns Victorian Labor Government’s Approval of New Offshore Gas Drilling Near 12 Apostles

Surfers for Climate 2 mins read

Surfers for Climate today expressed profound dismay at the Victorian government's recent approval of Beach Energy's new offshore gas drilling project near Port Campbell, a move that starkly contradicts the pressing need to combat climate change and preserve our oceans.

Surfers for Climate CEO Josh Kirkman said the decision comes at a time when the world is increasingly recognising the urgent need to shift away from fossil fuels. 

“This project not only threatens the pristine marine environment near the iconic Twelve Apostles but also stands in direct conflict with Victoria's own policy to disconnect homes from the gas grid,” Kirkman said.

"Approving new offshore drilling in 2024 is a step backward. The Victorian government is sending mixed messages by promoting gas drilling while simultaneously working to reduce household reliance on gas. This inconsistency undermines efforts to reduce cost of living, tackle climate change and protect our natural environment.

“Victoria's approval of new offshore gas drilling projects contrasts sharply with the New South Wales parliament’s proactive stance on ocean conservation. NSW has implemented a ban on offshore drilling, setting a commendable example of prioritising environmental protection and sustainable development.”

The announcement is particularly poignant as it comes just days before World Oceans Day on June 8th, a global celebration of our oceans and a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect them. Surfers for Climate urges the Victorian Labor government to reconsider its decision and align its policies with the urgent need for climate action and ocean conservation.

"We call on the Victorian Labor government to uphold its commitment to reducing the cost of living, and prioritising a healthy ocean and to join NSW counterparts in banning new offshore drilling," said Kirkman. "Our oceans are a vital part of our planet's health and our heritage. We must act now to ensure their protection for future generations."

Surfers for Climate remains dedicated to advocating for policies that protect our oceans and promote sustainable living. We stand ready to work with all levels of government to achieve these goals and ensure a safe, healthy future for our planet.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Surfers for Climate CEO Josh Kirkman 0421 594 487 or josh@surfersforclimate.org.au 

About Surfers for Climate

Surfers for Climate is an organisation dedicated to protecting the world's oceans and combating climate change through advocacy, education, and action. We work with surfers, coastal communities, and environmentalists to promote sustainable practices and policies that safeguard our planet's marine ecosystems.

 

More from this category

  • Environment, Political
  • 13/02/2025
  • 09:16
Climate Council

Politicians kneecap charities, climate in electoral power grab

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY THELABOR AND LIBERAL/NATIONAL PARTIES have cut a backroom deal to push through electoral laws that kneecap charities like the Climate Council from speaking out during elections. Backed by both major parties, the laws passed near midnight last night, after debate was cut inside Parliament and questions from minor parties and independents went unanswered. The legislation gives theLabor and Liberal/National parties an extra $80 million of taxpayer money per election to fund their political campaigns, but makes it much harder for charities, independents, and minor parties to hold power to account. The bills ban charities…

  • CharitiesAidWelfare, Environment
  • 12/02/2025
  • 11:25
Sustainable Population Australia

Why International Condom Day Will Help Endangered Species

Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) argues that human population growth remains the root cause of the world’s most pressing environmental threats. International Condom Day, February…

  • Contains:
  • Environment, Science
  • 12/02/2025
  • 07:30
Monash University

Monash researchers develop ground-breaking AI program to tackle global microplastics challenge

Monash researchers have developed a ground-breaking AI program to assist scientists in the global fight against the scourge of environmental microplastics. Despite making headlines in recent years, a lot of scientists and policymakers still don’t know about the scale of the issue, including exactly what kind of microplastics are out there and where they are ending up. The program developed by Monash uses sophisticated machine learning algorithms to analyse thousands of samples in fractions of a second – a process that can take months for humans – to gain a crucial understanding of where and how we need to act.…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.