Otway Basin seismic testing plans abandoned in blow to offshore gas exploration

The international conglomerate behind plans for the largest seismic testing survey in Australian history has abandoned the endeavour with a three-line email. "With competing global priorities, TGS have decided not to proceed with the Otway 3D Multi-client Marine Seismic Survey Environment Plan at this time," the statement read. The small town fighting to save marine life Photo shows A couple look into a community meeting hall Communities like those in Victoria's Port Fairy are pushing back against seismic blasting that threatened marine life in the Otway basin and surrounding areas. With more than 30,000 submissions made on the TGS proposal and hundreds of people attending protests across Victoria's south-west coast, federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker called the decision to withdraw the application a "testament" to community advocacy. The future of oil and gas exploration Environmental campaigners say they are now turning their sights to a second SPA permit application for seismic testing in waters spanning the coast from near Portland to Port Campbell — which is still with NOPSEMA.