Marine Sanctuaries, Not Oil – Interview

Environmental groups have expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s approval of a series of new offshore oil drilling leases, including one off Western Australia’s South West coast.

The Government has agreed to release 31 exploration areas to the market this year.

A site 85 kilometres off the coast of Margaret River has been approved, the same site was earmarked for a potential marine sanctuary.

Help Surfrider Foundation fight these plans and protect our beaches and marine and coastal environments my seeking legal advice on this issue.

An Interview with Margaret River Branch Member Steven Andrews, heading the Marine Sanctuaries, Not Oil Campaign. Interview by Angela Thomas.

Who has allowed the decision for oil drilling in Margaret River to take place?
Head Minister Martin Ferguson and the Federal Government

What effect will it have on the marine life ?

What are the chances of the Oil drilling being stopped before it takes place?
It’s still at the early stages so there is a chance that if we keep up the events and keep up the support from Australia and the community it could be very successful

What are your expectations for your next Protest?
We have planned a great protest on the beach with a helicopter with a phrase flying over us to send a message that we would like to keep our environment as it is and only improve it by creating a marine park . We would like to reach around 300-400 people from the area to be there supporting and protesting

What difference will it make to the area if a marine sanctuary is declared?
If this becomes a marine park it will protect the area and ensure oil drilling isn’t possible therefore there will be no risk of our marine life and beach to be a risk of damage

When was the decision made that oil drilling was going to take place?

Now that the decision had been made when will the drilling begin?
As its only still early it shouldn’t be going ahead with for another year of two which gives us plenty of time to go against

When the drilling starts how long will the operation continue for?
Leases can go for quite a while the drilling could be there for only a few years but also have been known to go for hundreds of years

When will your next rally or campaign be?
In June is our next big protest

Where about exactly is the drilling in Margaret River going to take place?
The drilling is going to take place 80-85km offshore of Margaret River in Western Australia which is not far out

How can readers around Australia help?
Were going to keep running campaigns and protesting so for everyone to support that and get involved would be great.

How much of an impact will the oil drilling have on the ocean, reefs, marine life and swell?
It would have a major impact. If the oil was to spill it could spread from Margaret river up north further to Perth and effect areas there as well

Steve will be presenting on Thursday September 30 at the Australian Association of Environmental Educators in Canberra.