Background/Context:

The Otway Basin spans roughly 500 km along the southern coast of Australia from South Australia through Victoria and northwest Tasmania, and supports diverse marine life and critical wetland ecosystems. The extraction of gas contributes to climate change because methane and the combustion of gas are significant greenhouse gas sources. Exploration, production, and consumption of gas not only contribute to climate warming but also threaten local habitats.

The Otway Basin already has existing onshore and offshore gas operations, with expansion under way. Throughout 2024 and 2025, new offshore drilling sites and environment plan approvals were granted by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA). Applications were also submitted for further seismic testing by companies including ESSO, Beach Energy, TGS, and SLB. Some were approved, while others were withdrawn after strong local protests.

In September 2024, after widespread opposition, TGS and SLB withdrew their proposal for a large seismic survey in the basin following pressure from local councils and conservation advocates. Despite that win, Beach Energy and ConocoPhillips have pushed ahead with drilling throughout 2025. Beach Energy completed its Hercules-1 exploration well in late 2025, which was subsequently plugged and abandoned. 

ConocoPhillips' November 2025 gas discovery at Essington-1 is also expected to encourage further activity. Amplitude Energy is also planning additional wells in 2026 as part of its East Coast Supply Project, which aims to supply gas through existing infrastructure pending approvals.

The pace of expansion accelerated in December 2025 when both the Australian Government and Victorian Government opened new offshore areas for exploration. On 10 December 2025, Victoria announced new petroleum exploration tenders in the Otway and Gippsland basins. Environmental groups such as Environment Victoria, Friends of the Earth, and local groups like the Otway Coastal Environment Action Network (OCEAN) strongly oppose these developments, warning of serious environmental impacts from seismic blasting, marine ecosystem disruption, and groundwater drawdown. Marine scientists and climate campaigners continue to call for a halt to offshore drilling and stronger environmental protections.

Why is this important?

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, 2024 was the warmest year on record, with global temperatures reaching approximately 1.55 °C above pre-industrial levels and underscoring the urgency of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in new gas infrastructure undermines Australia's climate goals and locks in long-term fossil fuel dependence.

Australia has among the world's most abundant solar and wind resources, which could supply energy needs many times over.

Seismic testing and drilling operations may also pose direct ecological risks, including:

• Disruption of whale migration routes and nearby nurseries for species such as endangered orcas and blue whales.
• Harmful impacts on marine invertebrate communities.
• Reduced catch rates for commercial fisheries during seismic blasting periods.

Who to contact:

• Your local State MP (if in relevant states of SA, VIC, or TAS)
• Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio ; Premier, Jacinta Allan; Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny.
• Your local Federal MPs (check on this website if you’re unsure who that is)
• Key Federal Ministers (addresses in link) including: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; Environment Minister Murray Watt; Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen; Resources Minister Madeleine King; Treasurer Jim Chalmers; Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell; Trade and Tourism Assistant Minister Tim Ayres; Transport Minister, Catherine King; Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson
• Federal Senate Crossbenchers (addresses in link) including the Greens, Independents David Pocock and Tammy Tyrell, and Jacquie Lambi (JLN), who hold the balance of power in the Senate.
• Also, you can check NOPSEMA’s website to see if any community consultations are currently open
• Email the the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources [email protected]  

Resources

• Email example below and General email template here to write your own from scratch
• Guidelines and tips for writing emails

Actions you can take:

1. Email your MP or relevant Minister:

If you need some help getting started with your email, here is an example.

Please don’t copy it exactly - personalise it and tailor it to the MP you are writing to. 

In addition, when writing to a Minister or Shadow Minister, start by saying that you’re writing to them in their role as Minister for xxxx, otherwise they will probably just forward your email to your local MP.

[MP name]

[Member for …. or  Minister for ….]

Dear …

[personal statement - who you are and why you care]

I have recently learned about proposed plans to expand gas exploration and production in the Otway Basin and I am extremely disappointed to learn that both the federal and Victorian governments are supporting the project. I am writing to underline my strong opposition to this project. 

The International Energy Agency clearly stated that all new fossil fuel production must cease as of now, to avoid exceeding 1.5 - 2˚C of global warming. The global impacts of climate change are being increasingly felt around the globe, with the frequency and intensity of fires, floods, extreme weather and other natural-related events escalating dramatically. Such events make me gravely concerned about the future.

Exploration and drilling in the Otways also further threatens iconic endangered species, such as the orange-bellied parrot, and blue whales. 

Additionally, the cost of living crisis is inextricably linked with climate change - rising energy, insurance, fuel, and grocery costs are just a few examples that I have experienced. Sticking with gas, rather than investing in renewables to cut everyday Australians energy bills, is doing our community significant harm now and into the future. 

What is your view on the proposed gas extraction in the Otway basin? 

Do you share my concerns about the environment, wildlife, and cost of living, and if so, what will you do to oppose the project?

With elections on the horizon, I will be voting for candidates who support Australia to become a renewable energy powerhouse and who value the long-term conservation of our marine wildlife over short-term business propositions. 

I urge you to do everything within your power to prevent this proposed gas production in one of Australia’s most valued marine environments.

Yours faithfully,

[Your name, address, phone Number]

(required if you want a response)

Hi, my name is ….. and I’m a voter in [your electorate].

I’d like to speak to …..[name of MP]

(Staffer will probably say: I’m sorry they’re not available, can I take a message?)

Yes, thank you! Would you please pass on my message and tell them I’m worried about….

[use 2-3 points from the briefing or email example]

And ask them to ….

[use 2-3 points from the briefing or email example]

Thank you!

Warmer water and thermal expansion

The ocean has absorbed 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions since the industrial era began. This immense heat uptake plays a critical role in regulating earth’s climate. Warmer water holds less oxygen, affecting marine life. In addition, storing so much heat causes ocean water to expand in volume, a process called ‘thermal expansion’. As the warm water expands, it contributes significantly to global sea level rise, accounting for more than half of global sea-level rise since the 1990s. As oceans continue to warm, thermal expansion is expected to persist, posing a serious risk to coastal communities and low-lying ecosystems around the world.