The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia has come out against gas exploration and potential drilling off the coast of Newcastle.
National president Gary Blaschke said his organisation was contacting councils between Port Stephens and Sydney’s Northern Beaches to express concern about MEC Resources’ seismic testing, which occurred in waters about 30km south-east of Newcastle in April, and the ongoing search for gas.
Mr Blaschke said he was concerned about the impact testing and drilling could have on marine wildlife.
“They’re going to find gas out there, there’s no chance in the wide world they’ll miss it,” he said.
“I’ve been quite concerned that Novocastrians have picked up on it but the Central Coast people had no idea.
“I’ve written to all the councils trying to get them to form an alliance. Everybody seems to be saying ‘no’ to it, but nobody seems to be doing anything about it.”
Asset Energy, the MEC Resources subsidiary conducting the exploration, has left the door open for further seismic tests and a possible drilling operation.
Fairfax Media has previously reported the company dismissed allegations that the tests, which involved shooting acoustic pulses into the ocean floor, would negatively impact the marine environment.
Mr Blaschke said there had been “no consultation” before the project began.
But a summary of the environmental impact statement lodged with the federal regulator – the full document has not been released – said Asset Energy contacted councils at Port Stephens, Newcastle and Wyong as well as Gosford and Pittwater.
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Nick Bielby
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has been with the Newcastle Herald since 2017.
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has been with the Newcastle Herald since 2017.
