Conservation Council

Western Australia's peak environment group has renewed calls for environmentally sensitive areas to be declared 'off limits' to the offshore oil and gas industry in a network of marine sanctuaries following the release of a new national regulatory framework for the industry.

Commonwealth Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson introduced Bills into the House of Representatives this morning to establish a new Commonwealth regulatory body to oversee offshore oil drilling. The move was a key recommendation following the very large Montara well oil spill off the Kimberley coast last year.

Conservation Council of WA Director Piers Verstegen said, "The introduction of a new Commonwealth regulator is a welcome step, however this is only a job half done when it comes to protecting our marine life from the impacts of offshore oil drilling."

"It is critical that the Commonwealth Government also move quickly to establish a network of marine sanctuaries, where marine life can be permanently protected from the oil and gas industry."

"We know from experience in the Gulf of Mexico, and last year's Montara oil spill north of the Kimberley that the offshore oil industry can have devastating consequences for our marine environment."

"No amount of regulation will make this industry accident-proof so it is critical that environmentally sensitive areas are also declared 'off limits' for oil drilling.

"Less than 1% of our oceans in Western Australia are protected from the impacts of oil drilling and overfishing.

"The Commonwealth Government have an opportunity to establish a network of large marine sanctuaries which will see a range of economic benefits as well as protecting our marine biodiversity and fish stocks for the future."