Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf my electorate of Corangamite, I stand today to urge the government to immediately rethink its plan to allow oil and gas exploration only five kilometres from the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road. The announcement from the resources minister is not in line with the views of my community who live on the Great Ocean Road. They overwhelmingly oppose any plan to drill for new gas along the pristine coastline. At the last election the community rallied against plans to drill in the Great Australian Bight. Even my predecessor, a Liberal member, joined demonstrations as they protested. I also voiced my strong opposition.

Now, my predecessor and I do not have much in common, but one thing we both understand is that our local communities want investment in renewables and green energy. They do not want drilling in pristine environments. It is essential we invest in renewables to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The Twelve Apostles is one of the most photographed locations along the Great Ocean Road. Prior to COVID, about six million visitors each year would come down to this iconic destination. It is a major tourism drawcard for my region, driving the economy and local jobs. We must ensure we protect this beautiful, fragile coastal environment from inappropriate development. I once again urge the Morrison government to undertake an immediate rethink of this decision.