Greens plan to prevent catastrophic oil spills
The Australian Greens will push for tough new regulations for the oil
and gas industry, including a comprehensive polluter pays regime, to
reduce the risk of catastrophic oil spills off Australian coastlines.
Announcing a new protection plan with Senator for Western Australia
Rachel Siewert in Perth today, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said
the nation’s coastlines, unique species and marine industries are
exposed by the current weak regulations.
“The Commonwealth Government is pushing ahead with plans for off shore
drilling in sensitive places despite demonstrated inadequacies in the
oil and gas industry’s ability to prevent spills,” said Senator Brown.
Senator Rachel Siewert said it was dangerous and irresponsible for
drilling in places like Margaret River to go ahead without better
regulations.
“At a minimum, there should be a moratorium on offshore exploration and
drilling of new wells until much greater safety can be demonstrated,”
said Senator Siewert.
“Although shipping activities are regulated by international convention,
there is no similar regime to govern the activities of offshore oil
activities. The Australian Government should lead the push for such a
regime in international forums.”
The Greens new oil spill protection plan includes:
1. A moratorium on offshore exploration and drilling of new wells
2. Regulatory overhaul of the offshore petroleum industry
3. Push for a comprehensive international regime for offshore
activities
4. Environmental protection – Comprehensive environmental impact
assessments, baseline data and monitoring
5. Polluter pays – statutory liability regime for offshore petroleum
activities
6. Regional marine planning – suspend recently opened areas for
exploration until the marine planning process is completed, including
establishment of adequate protected areas.
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