The Victorian Greens have slammed Labor's decision to charge full steam ahead and extract climate-destroying gas near the 12 Apostles, despite years of public outcry from communities.
In the state's first new gas extraction project since 2014, the Allan Labor Government has given Beach Energy final approval to extract gas offshore in the Otway Basin near Port Campbell.
The Greens have been campaigning alongside local communities for years to put an end to the proposed gas projects on Gunditjmara Country near the 12 Apostles.
Acting Greens Spokesperson for Climate Change Samantha Ratnam, said the news is a tragedy for Port Campbell communities and defies basic climate science - which requires no new coal, gas or oil projects to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
She said Victoria already uses too much fossil gas and should instead focus on slashing demand with cheaper, cleaner electric and energy efficient solutions.
The Greens MLC for Northern Metro Samantha Ratnam said:
"It is absolutely outrageous that in the middle of a climate crisis, Labor is deciding to turn their back on communities and charge full steam ahead with this disastrous project right near the 12 Apostles.
"Labor are choosing to ignore communities and First Nations groups who have blatantly said they don't want these projects to go ahead.
"Instead they're siding with a billionaire-owned fossil fuel company who wants to extract right next to such an iconic and precious place.
"The Allan government is blowing up any ambition for Victoria to take real action on the climate crisis with this project.
"They're approving new gas projects despite all the science saying that we can't open new coal, gas, or oil projects if we're going to limit global warning to 1.5 degrees.
"We don't need any new gas. This project is unnecessary, dangerous and threatens the fragile local ecosystem.
"The focus should be on slashing demand with cheaper, cleaner electric and energy efficient solutions."
Co-Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens and Spokesperson for Rural and Regional Communities Sarah Mansfield, said:
"This project is devastating for our coastal communities and our climate. Labor are turning their backs on First Nations groups and communities who have been clear that they don't want new gas projects, especially near such an important and special landmark.
"This project just goes to show that Labor have been bought by the fossil fuel industry."
