On Tuesday the Greens will introduce a new law to federal parliament to help protect the Great Australian Bight from oil and gas drilling forever.
The legislation requires the Environment Minister to nominate the Great Australian Bight for consideration as a World Heritage Site. Despite a community-led campaign and the urging of South Australians, local councils, the tourism and fishing industries, Traditional Owners and even the SA government, the Albanese Government has failed to commit to the listing process so the Greens will move to force action.
Right now, there are no active licences for oil and gas exploration in the Bight, which the Greens say means there is no better time to protect it for good.
Greens Senator for South Australia and spokesperson for the environment Sarah Hanson-Young said:
"The Great Australian Bight is a South Australian icon with global and environmental significance worthy of World Heritage Status and protection from oil and gas drilling forever.
"World Heritage Protection is a priority for South Australia and the Greens will push for it in a hung parliament.
"The Albanese Government has dragged its feet when it comes to supporting a World Heritage nomination, despite the pleas of community, industry, and Traditional Owners. The Greens are acting now to force action before it's too late.
"The Great Australian Bight is an SA icon and is home to a vast array of unique marine life. 85 per cent of the species that live in the Bight are found nowhere else on Earth. It is an essential calving sanctuary for southern right whales, and a feeding ground for endangered sea lions, sharks, tuna and migratory sperm whales.
"An oil spill or drilling disaster would not only be an environmental catastrophe but with ten thousand fishing and tourism jobs reliant on the Bight, it would be an economic disaster too.
"Drilling in the Bight is opposed by the Yerkala Mirning, the Traditional Owners of the Nullarbor Plain, the spectacular Bunda Cliffs and the pristine waters of the Bight. More than two-thirds of South Australians also oppose drilling in the Bight.
"South Aussies love our beaches and coastline and want them kept clean and pristine.
"We must ensure the Bight is not put at risk again by any government greenlighting new gas and oil developments. The community-led Fight for the Bight campaign has won the battle against big oil and gas once before but now it's time to win the war.
"Labor and Liberal should listen to voters and do the right thing for our environment, jobs, and economy - support this bill and protect the Bight for good."
