Senate supports Whish-Wilson’s call for ConocoPhillips to prove seismic testing won’t harm stocks

Controversial seismic testing off one of Tasmania’s most pristine locations has been put on hold while a gas company drums up science to back its probe for reserves. LATEST >>

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THE Australian Senate has backed a Tasmanian-led call for seismic testing off King Island to be halted until a company hoping to find gas reserves off the Bass Strait island can prove the work will not harm rock lobster stocks.

In January, the Mayor of King Island Julie Arnold, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Liberal Braddon MP Gavin Pearce and the Scallop Fishermen’s Association of Tasmania have already put out a challenge to ConocoPhillips Australia.

On Tuesday the Senate backed that call.

The company wants to look for natural gas reserves in Otway Basin about 25km off King Island’s west coast.

Testing was due to start this month but is reliant on approval by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority.

The Senate motion – that if the company behind the permit cannot prove there will be no impact on local fishing livelihoods then the seismic testing should not go ahead – was put up by Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

“The vote by the Senate is an important precedent and hopefully a sign of things to come in protecting our oceans and communities,” Senator Whish-Wilson said.

The Liberal Senators voted against the motion but let it go to voices, not wanting to call a division, but it was supported by Jacqui Lambie.

“It’s absurd that the government has sat by for so long while big oil and gas companies run rampant in our oceans.

“These big corporations – many who buy their power with hefty political donations – have been seismic testing for oil and gas for the last 50 years and have had the government eating out the palms of their hands saying that there has been no evidence that seismic testing negative impact on marine life.

“But the reason there’s been no evidence is because until very recently there’s been next to no research.

“Unsurprisingly, emerging scientific research shows seismic testing – which involves blasting the sea floor with high-powered airguns – can injure and kill crustaceans, shellfish, and plankton.

“But just how much harm it is doing is still unknown, including to other marine life such as dolphins and whales.”

The head of the Scallop Fishermen’s Association of Tasmania John Hammond told the soon-finalised inquiry into the impacts of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment that fishers would take any action necessary to stop the testing – which could include a blockade.

Previous seismic operations near Flinders Island had correlated with a decimation of scallop stock.

The inquiry report was first due to be finalised in March but that is expected to be extended.

Plastic not fantastic as single-use faces the flick

Sally Glaetzer

February 14, 2021

COVID-19 has been a distraction, but now it is time for Tasmanians to get serious about cutting back on plastic use, waste reduction advocates say.

In Hobart, businesses have until July 1 to stop giving out single-use plastic bags, containers and cutlery under a new council by-law, which was introduced last year but is yet to be enforced.

“We didn’t want to add another pressure for businesses, but we’re really happy that so many have made the change already,” Deputy Mayor Helen Burnet said.

A council survey found 53 per cent of businesses had already ditched single-use plastics or were on track to do so.

Sush sushi bar in Bank Arcade uses compostable packaging and owner David Painter said customers were also encouraged to bring their own containers.

“We can use the tongs and put something in your container in a contactless way,” Mr Painter said, adding that he also refused to supply the popular plastic fish-shaped mini soy bottles.

“People really want them, but I tell them ‘You won’t get them from me’. I make them go cold turkey and hope that in the office they can just keep a bottle of soy sauce in the fridge or buy one tube of wasabi to last them a month or year.”

Sushi roller Gina Hsieh with compostable packaging at Sush. Picture: Chris Kidd

Trish Haeusler from Plastic Free Launceston said Tasmania’s soon-to-be-introduced container deposit scheme would help focus attention on minimising waste.

“I can’t wait. It will help make people think about what they are purchasing. Just pause and have a rethink. What are the (plastic free) alternatives? And sometimes we don’t need an alternative,” Ms Haeusler said.

She urged Tasmanians to remove plastic from their lives one step at a time.

“It could be as simple as deciding never to use cling wrap again, or replacing those green scourers that we use in our kitchen that contribute to plastic fibres going down the drain with a natural alternative,” Ms Haeusler said.

Bronwyn Kidd founded low-waste kitchenware brand Sustomi.

Tasmanian businesswoman Bronwyn Kidd started her eco-homewares brand Sustomi to cater for growing demand for beeswax wraps and reusable food pouches and containers.

Although COVID had interrupted some waste reduction habits, she said it had also prompted people to rethink their consumption.

“My tip is to plan ahead. Take a few minutes to look at what food you’ve already got available. What can you make with the ingredients you have?” Ms Kidd said.

“Shop at bulk food stores, avoid individually wrapped items and, if you are eating out, take your own container just in case you have any left overs.”