Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, is urging her community to make a submission to the Federal Government’s consultation paper on how the offshore resources regulatory system could be further improved to minimise confusion and ambiguity.

“We are taking this step because we have heard from our local communities that there is room to clarify and improve our existing regulations,” Ms Coker said.

“Community members across the region have raised their concerns about the consultation process, and we know that recent Court decisions have found the standard and quality of consultation varies between offshore resources projects.”

“This is not an acceptable outcome. Our oceans are precious, and we need to do everything we can to protect them and having clarification on consultation requirements for these projects is part of that.”

The consultation paper forms part of a broader review of Australia’s entire offshore resources environmental management framework.

This broader review will recommend improvements to Australia’s offshore resources environmental management regime to make sure it:

• Is fit for purpose in a decarbonising economy.
• Reflects best practice for offshore environmental management.
• Is consistent with reforms to the national environmental legislation under development by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water as part of the Government’s Nature Positive Plan.
• Is consistent with Australia’s international obligations for emissions and sustainable development.

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Submissions can be made to the offshore resources regulatory approvals consultation paper here: Consultation hub | Make a submission - Clarifying consultation requirements for offshore oil and gas storage regulatory approvals: consultation paper - Consult hub (industry.gov.au).