The Australian government has granted ConocoPhillips Australia approval to drill up to six exploratory gas wells in the Otway Basin, a biologically sensitive marine region off the coast of Victoria.
This article appeared on ABC News, reporting that the offshore drilling operation will be situated approximately 20 kilometres from shore, in waters spanning from Warrnambool to Apollo Bay.
The site lies close to key marine parks and the Logan’s Beach southern right whale sanctuary, a critical calving ground for the endangered species.
While ConocoPhillips insists the project will help secure domestic gas supplies for the east coast, environmental advocates argue it threatens marine biodiversity and contradicts Australia’s transition towards renewable energy.
Regulatory Approval and Project Details
The Otway Exploration Drilling Program was formally approved last week by National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environment Management Authority (NOPSEMA), allowing ConocoPhillips to begin drilling as early as April 1.
The company aims to assess the commercial viability of natural gas deposits in the region, which could potentially supply Australia’s east coast domestic market. Operations will take place in waters located less than a kilometre from the Zeehan Marine Park and 11 kilometres from the Apollo Bay Marine Park.
ConocoPhillips maintains that strict environmental management protocols will be in place to mitigate risks to wildlife. The approval follows years of debate over gas and oil exploration along Victoria’s south-west coast, where previous proposals have faced significant opposition.
In 2024, a major seismic testing project—a precursor to offshore drilling—was abandoned after months of pressure from local communities and environmental groups.
Environmental and Community Backlash
The decision to greenlight ConocoPhillips’ drilling program has sparked concerns among conservationists. Louise Morris, oil and gas campaign manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), warned that expanding gas extraction in the region poses a serious risk to marine life, particularly whales, dolphins and other protected species.
“Australia does not have a gas shortage,” Morris said. “We’re scraping the bottom of the barrel for domestic supply while destroying our oceans and marine environments to get it.”
Local communities have long expressed resistance to offshore fossil fuel projects, citing their potential to disrupt marine ecosystems and harm the region’s tourism and fishing industries. Parts of the newly approved drilling area overlap with a seismic testing project proposal by the data collection company CGG, which has yet to receive regulatory clearance.
Political Stance and Future Energy Policy
The approval of the Otway Basin drilling program comes amid political debate over Australia’s energy strategy. The Coalition opposition, led by Peter Dutton, has pledged to fast-track gas project approvals if elected, arguing that reducing bureaucratic hurdles will boost investment and job creation.
“The Dutton Coalition government will be the best friend our resources industry has ever had,” said Shadow Minister for Resources Susan McDonald. “We will slash approval times for new projects, we will unravel Labor’s regulatory mess holding back investment and jobs, and we will defund the Environmental Defenders Office.”
In contrast, the current Labor government has been working towards developing offshore wind energy projects as part of Australia’s renewable energy transition.
Last week, Environment Minister Chris Bowen approved feasibility licences for initiatives that renewable energy advocates believe could provide a long-term alternative to fossil fuels.
